Ofsted brands Go Bananas pre-school inadequate in report

The children’s services watchdog branded Go Bananas Pre-School and After School Club inadequate in a concerning report following an inspection in May.

The manager of the site in Mason Road, Colchester, said the staff were “very disappointed” with the rating but have swiftly acted upon action implored upon them.

Despite the quality of education and behaviour and attitudes being branded good by the inspector, the pre-school was rated inadequate in its personal development and leadership and management.

The Ofsted report reads: “Children's safety is compromised. The provider has not carried out the required checks to ensure the suitability of staff.

Venue - Go Bananas, in Mason Road, Colchester

“The arrangements for safeguarding are not effective. Safeguarding, with regard to safe recruitment, is not effective.

“The provider has failed to obtain and verify information, such as references for staff, to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

“The manager and provider have identified this as a weakness but had not addressed this as a priority to protect children's welfare.”

Inspector Marta Kellouche’s report did, however, state children are “happy and settled” in the pre-school, a factor manager Angela Taylor pointed out as a reason to celebrate.

She told the Gazette: “Naturally, we are very disappointed with the overall judgement rating, however, we are pleased to confirm the administration actions given to us around staff recruitment have already been completed.

Disappointed - manager Angela Taylor

“As a management team and alongside our childcare practitioners, we are focused on moving forward and celebrating the many positives of the report, and are confident our setting is safe for all.

“As a setting, the children’s happiness, a feeling of security and their safety is always at the centre of what we do every day and that will always continue.

“All members of our team share that vision and will always focus on that, both from a personal perspective and an administration side.

“We provide a friendly, warm and caring setting and are so proud of what our children achieve every day with us.”