A NURSERY which was rated as inadequate by inspectors last year has been brought back up to standard, according to a new report.

Butterfly Blue Day Nursery, in Richmond Road, Colchester, fell well short of the required standards when it was inspected last summer.

Then with 143 children on the roll, the nursery was compromising the welfare and safety of children due to weak leadership and understaffing, according to inspectors.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities were also found to lack adequate support.

But the nursery, which looks after youngsters up to the age of five, now has 92 children on its register – and after it was reinspected in December, Ofsted workers said the nursery manager, Emma Clow, had worked hard to see the nursery make significant improvements.

The nursery has now been given a new rating of good – the second highest out of four possible ratings – with the school’s behaviour and attitudes and quality of education having all made progress.

Whereas inspectors in last June’s inspection said children did not make good progress in their learning, December’s inspection saw Ofsted say children were making good levels of progress.

Staff were described to have instilled consistent routines, with staff allowing toddlers to get involved and develop their independence.

Importantly, the safeguarding arrangements for children had also taken major steps forward, with staff said to be more knowledgeable when it comes to identifying children who may be ar risk of harm or abuse.

Provisions of outdoor learning had improved, inspectors added; last June, inspectors said children did not have enough space to play outdoors, but last month, inspectors noted children enjoy playing outside, with garden spaces offering “endless opportunities”.

One part of the report read: “Older children enjoy shovelling gravel around the construction area, while babies practise their early walking skills – children learn about the world around them.

Responding to the report, Mrs Clow said: “As a team, we are incredibly proud of how hard we have worked to achieve a ‘good’ outcome.

"The nursery has implemented lots of changes and supported staff as well as building on a quality curriculum and environment."

We passionately believe in providing unrivalled quality journalism and value for money.

With a digital subscription, you can access our exclusive, insightful and trustworthy local news from just £1 a week.

If you are not already subscribing, sign up today to get instant access to our trusted local coverage - and an ad-light experience - check what package works best for you here.