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Bluebells Childcare Services nursery in Street End Road, Wayfield, Chatham re-rated good by Ofsted

By: Nicola Jordan njordan@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:19, 05 March 2024

A nursery school has gone from “inadequate” to “good” in just a matter of months.

Bluebells Childcare Services, based in Chatham, had received a damning report from Ofsted just five months ago.

Staff Candy Crouch, left, and Lakshmi Kaur and children at Bluebells Childcare Services

The education watchdog had raised concerns over insufficient staff security checks and, at times, a lack of supervision which it claimed put children at risk.

But the pre-school in Street End Road, Wayfield has now scored top marks in all categories following another inspection last month.

And the relatively new manager Remi Ikwetie was singled out for turning round her business in such a short period.

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Ms Ikweite told KentOnline: “It was a shock when Ofsted arrived last time. I had only been here six months and not had time to find my feet.

“I have a lot of experience and knew what was needed here.”

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The follow-up report states: “The manager has worked hard since the previous inspection to make changes and improve the quality of the setting.

“She has a clear vision for the setting and strives for continuous improvement.

“The manager has worked closely with other agencies, which had had a positive impact on the quality of learning that children receive.”

It adds: “The manager is ambitious for children to be ready for the next stage in their development and move on to school. She plans a curriculum that helps children to build on what they already know and can do.”

Inspectors also noted healthy meals and snacks are served, outdoor activities encouraged and pupils enjoy music and singing sessions with staff.

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Youngsters with special educational needs and or disabilities are well supported with the manager and staff involving other agencies when required.

Children at Bluebells nursery

Parents praised the way the nursery is run and remarked how excited their children were to start the day “confidently hanging up their belongings and showing pride when finding their picture card to put on the registration board”.

Commenting on the turnaround, Ms Ikwetie added: “We are pleased to have received a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted on our inspection.

“It’s a real pat on the back for our amazing team who work tirelessly to create a warm and caring environment for all the little ones in our nursery.

“We’re so proud of the positive impact we’re making on these children’s lives, the support and trust we have in working in partnership with parents and we’ll keep pushing ourselves to do even better.”

Six staff are currently employed at Bluebells and there are 14 children, from birth to four, on the roll. It has a total capacity for 48.

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