A previously-struggling nursery has been praised by Ofsted after a remarkable turnaround.

Kings Nursery, in Park Avenue, Sittingbourne, was previously ranked as ‘requiring improvement’ by the education watchdog in 2019 and, earlier that year, it was even deemed ‘inadequate’.

In the latter report, published in April 2019, inspector Sarah Stephens found that safeguarding was “not effective” and that “the weaknesses in leadership and management” had a “significant impact on children’s safety and well-being”.

However, the nursery’s rating is now ‘good’ across the board.

In Ofsted’s most recent report, published last month, the same inspector highlighted a number of strengths.

She said children were “happy” and interacted “well” together, which showed they “feel safe and secure in their surroundings”.

She added: “All children benefit from a well-planned curriculum. Staff create an exciting and stimulating environment across all areas of learning to enhance children’s progress and help any gaps in development consistently close.

“Leaders and staff swiftly identify where children need extra support. They then carefully plan activities to encourage children’s social skills and help them manage their behaviour, to address any emerging gaps in learning.”

The inspector also said the arrangements for safeguarding were now effective.

Managers Dawn Austin and Ceri Edgecombe said they were pleased with the nursery’s ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.

They said: “The last 18 months have been a challenge for the world, but at Kings we’ve taken everything in our stride, adapting and making the necessary changes as set by the government to keep everyone as safe as possible, whilst continuing to provide an enriching and caring environment in which our children can thrive.

“Our children and parents have been amazing, adhering to all the restrictions we’ve had to put in place.”

“Our continued commitment, teamwork and determination has been reflected in all the positive comments and the ‘good’ outcome.”

They added: “Our continued commitment, teamwork and determination has been reflected in all the positive comments and the ‘good’ outcome.”

Kings Nursery, based at King Georges Pavilion, has 30 children on its roll and provides early education for youngsters aged from two to four years old.

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