Denton Island was one of the first designated children's centres and one of the first to be inspected under the Ofsted framework in June 2005.
Inspectors found that the full daycare nursery was unsatisfactory category 1, giving Notice of Action to Improve. We were upset, but on reflection felt it was fair.
The responsibility was on staff to formulate development plans. Prior to the inspection, staff identified weaknesses through self-evaluation and had formulated a development plan which was reviewed fortnightly. After inspection, this plan was modified. The inspection did not highlight any areas of concern different to those already revealed through self-assessment and Ofsted was satisfied that we would be ready for re-inspection within six months. Unfortunately this timescale has slipped and we still await inspection a year on.
Now, action planning meetings with our qualified teacher and senior management team are held regularly to ensure progress is maintained and systematic.
Development plans include a staff training programme to increase understanding of the Foundation Stage and Birth to Three Matters framework.
Regular in-house training is facilitated by our qualified teacher, with external support from the EYDCP and local authority advisory team.
Changes have been made to the structure of the nursery's day and the staff rota to increase the amount of time and opportunity available for the children to learn, develop and play. The alterations allow staff time to update key children's records and reflect on observations to inform planning.
Despite many changes, we have kept a consistent, motivated and delightful team. We are confident the re-inspection will find our nursery provides high quality care and learning.
