Ofsted says children ‘not consistently achieving well’ at Cambridgeshire nursery

The report also recognised that children have “close relationships with their key person”

A nursery in Cambridgeshire has been told it ‘needs attention’ by Ofsted. Cozee Cubs Nursery and Sensory, in Werrington, Peterborough, has been told it needs to improve in three areas.

These include achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; and curriculum and teaching.

The report, which was published on Tuesday, May 12, said that some children “are not consistently achieving well from their starting points”. The report also recognised that children “settle quickly and are generally happy”, and have “close relationships with their key person”.

Safeguarding standards were met. Children’s welfare and wellbeing as well as leadership and governance were graded at ‘expected standard’.

The report found that younger children in particular “do not always progress quickly in developing some of the essential skills they will need, such as their communication skills and understanding of behaviour expectations”. As a result, the inspection found that this “does not ensure that all children are well prepared for the next stage of their learning”.

The report continued: “Some staff do not demonstrate high expectations for children’s behaviour or use consistent approaches to help children to begin to understand what is expected of them. Staff often try and manage young children’s behaviour from across the room and give little explanation as to why the behaviour may be unwanted.”

Therefore, the report found that this “does not help children, including those who face barriers to their learning, to understand and regulate their own behaviour or understand the consequences for their actions”.

The report continued: “Routines are in place and are generally understood by older children. However, there is a lack of organisation and reinforcement of behaviour expectations during some routine group times, such as lunchtime with the younger children. This results in children quickly leaving the table and wandering around.”

Occasionally, as identified by inspectors, “some staff are not good role models as they do not reinforce manners at appropriate times or use good manners themselves”.

Ofsted praised the staff for warmly greeting children on arrival and providing “nurturing care they need to help them feel safe and secure”. The report also states: “Children are generally confident and explore the activities and experiences on offer.”

Cozee Cubs was approached for comment.