Nursery makes changes to get out of special measures

Wednesday, 13 August 2025 16:22

By George Lythgoe

A Middleton nursery has come out of special measures and rated good’ once again after Ofsted inspectors raised safety concerns earlier this year .

The education watchdog slammed Baytree Park Private Day Nursery back in Spring – rating the nursery as ‘inadequate’. Loose electric wires, poorly stored chairs and slippery sand on the floor was all spotted by Ofsted officials during their time at the nursery, based on Joshua Lane.

The report, published on March 21, added children had been given medication without parental consent, putting their ‘health and safety’ at risk.

The curriculum was also criticised, and some activities were described as ‘mundane’.

At the time, nursery bosses hit back, saying the findings were ‘inaccurate and not a true reflection’ of the facility. Owners said they have never administered medication without prior consent.

The nursery has since rectified previous mistakes and garnered praise from Ofsted inspectors – who came back on July 14.

Nursery manager Clare Parkinson said that since the last inspection, they have ‘worked hard to keep up our high standards that we’ve had for the last 31 years’. She added that staff training has been redone, with one-on-ones conducted to ensure all staff know protocol when it came to safeguarding, medication forms and the curriculum.

Mrs Parkinson said: “We have worked with the local authority who have supported us to ensure we continued to meet Ofsted requirements. It has been a stressful time but we had such good support from our parents.”

The nursery is now rated as good in all categories of education quality; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; as well as leadership and management.

Inspector Savine Holgate found children arrive at nursery ‘with delight’ as they meet staff ‘with open arms at the door’ and are provided with a ‘well-balanced curriculum’.

The Ofsted report, published on August 12, read: “Since the last inspection, leaders have welcomed support from the local authority. They have worked tirelessly to address the weaknesses and raise the quality of the setting.

“They now put in place thorough risk assessments each day to identify and remove hazards. Staff implement safer sleep and medication procedures.

“Leaders have made improvements to the maintenance of the premises to ensure suitability. These changes help to keep children safe.”

The nursery is overjoyed with the latest inspection outcome – regaining the ‘good’ Ofsted rating they had previously held for almost a decade.

Gary Parkinson, owner of Baytree Park, said: “Thanks to all our parents for their support and for staying with us and thanks to our super staff team with a smiley face providing outstanding care for all the children every day.

“And a special thank you from all of us to our amazing manager Clare who’s dedication and endless commitment to ensure every child, all staff and every parent receives the highest standard of care at all times.”

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