THE declining standard of education and ‘poor’ quality of learning has led to the downfall of a pre-school in Warrington recently rated as Inadequate by education regulators.

Ofsted inspector Anita Dunn detailed how staff at Winwick Pre-School showed a lack of understanding as to what the children who attended the setting should be learning, leading to many ‘wandering aimlessly’ and not engaging in ‘purposeful’ teaching.

Another concern that was flagged from the official report was the absence of a manager at the school, meaning staff are unsupported which has affected the curriculum.

“In the absence of the manager, staff roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined. As a result of this staffing structure, the curriculum is not planned well enough, which hinders children's learning.

“Staff do not set high expectations for children's learning. Too little is done by the manager to monitor and support staff's teaching, knowledge and skills. Consequently, children do not make the progress they are capable of.”

It was also highlighted by the inspector that whilst the children who attend are ‘well behaved’ and ‘respond positively’ to staff, their attitude towards learning is ‘poor’.

“Children's behaviour and attitudes to learning are poor. Staff do not plan exciting activities to spark their excitement and curiosity. As a result, too often, children wander aimlessly and do not engage in purposeful learning.

“That said, children are well behaved, and they listen and respond positively to the staff. For example, during register time, children say 'good morning' to each other and to all the adults in the room.”

Due to holes in the curriculum, it was observed that the children are not supported by staff to ‘develop their communication and language skills’ which will set them up for further education.

“Staff ask closed questions, such as 'What colour?', 'What shape?' and 'What letter?' This does not help children to engage in meaningful conversations.”

On a more positive note it was felt that pupils were ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ at the setting and staff were described as ‘kind and caring’.

“Despite weaknesses, children are happy and settled. Throughout their time at the setting, they are able choose from a selection of resources, such as jigsaws, storybooks, construction play and climbing equipment.

“The environment provides opportunities for children to play and explore with their friends.”

Safeguarding at the pre-school was also noted as being implemented effectively with the premises being said to be ‘clean’ and ‘safe’ for the children.

It was reported that staff had the correct knowledge and understanding of signs of if a child is at risk of harm and knew of the best actions to take if they were concerned about a child.

To excel the quality and standard of education at the setting, key improvements were highlighted, including to ‘ensure that there is a manager in place with appropriate training’, as well as implementing an ‘effective key-person system’ and a ‘process for staff supervision’.

The curriculum was another point of improvement with it being said the pre-school must work on making it more ‘broad’ and ‘challenging’ for the children.

Winwick Pre-school was asked for comment on the recent outcome of the inspection but has not responded.