A Romford pre-school previously rated 'inadequate' has made a sharp turnaround to become 'good' after its most recent Ofsted inspection.

YMCA Thames Gateway Romford Preschool, which was rated 'inadequate' in October 2023, attained a 'good' rating in all areas in a report published on February 7.

The Rush Green Road pre-school had been given Ofsted's lowest rating last year after it was found children were not protected from dangers, did not listen to staff and the curriculum lacked ambition.

But after an inspection on January 9 this year, Ofsted found the manager and staff greeted children warmly, there was a well-delivered curriculum and behaviour was moderated well.

Samantha Latouche, director of communities for YMCA Thames Gateway Group, said: “We were incredibly disappointed – and surprised – to have been judged to be inadequate last summer.

“To have your ability questioned is hugely demoralising, especially when you know you’re providing a safe and educational environment.

"Our staff are incredibly hard-working, competent and passionate, and I am proud of the resilience they have shown during the past six months," she added. “We’re delighted to have our 'good' judgement reinstated."

Ofsted's most recent report found the school had made significant improvements.

"The manager and staff have worked hard to address the weaknesses identified at the last inspection," the Ofsted report stated.

"The provider ensures that any safety concerns raised by staff are responded to swiftly to provide a safe and secure environment for children." 

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The school has 24 places and caters for children aged two to five years.

The school offers sessions from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Children can attend morning, afternoon or all day sessions.

Staff were found to support children's independence and personal care skills particularly well, Ofsted found.

"Children enjoy learning and are keen to do things for themselves," it added.

In the previous inspection, safety was flagged as a concern by the inspector.

"Staff do not follow risk assessment effectively, which compromises children's safety and wellbeing," the October 2023 report read.

"The areas children can access are not sufficiently risk-assessed by staff, specifically the kitchen area," it was found. "Staff do not maintain safety measures effectively."

But in the latest report, Ofsted outlined major improvements in safety and behaviour.

The school manager showed the inspector around and explained the curriculum about how it is organised to promote children's health and safety.

"Staff ensure that there are clear expectations for children's behaviour which are consistently shared," the report added.

Children were reminded of "golden rules", such as being kind, this time around, whereas in the previous report it was found that staff did not teach them about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.