Nursery which was shut by Ofsted has reopened

DIRECTOR BLAMES 'POOR BATCH OF STAFF FOR PROBLEMS AT SITE

- ANITA MERRITT

A CHILDREN'S nursery near Ivybridge has reopened after a sudden temporary closure enforced by inspectors but a row has now broken out between the directors of the nursery and the landlords about upgrading the 'very old' building.

The Woodlands Nursery in Cadleigh, near Ivybridge, was severely criticised by Ofsted for putting children at 'risk of harm' due to concerns and complaints about children's safety and welfare.

Although few details about the issues have been publicly documented by Ofsted, they relate to staffing, child safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment.

The nursery is registered under the name Pml Education Ltd, and was rated 'good' following its last full Ofsted inspection in October 2024.

But its registration was suspended by Ofsted on March 6 over concerns about the suitability of the premises, and it was shut the next day.

The regulator has been continuing to work with the provider to ensure the safety of children at the setting and the suspension was lifted on Wednesday, with the nursery open again on Thursday.

Nursery director Philip Lee said problems have allegedly been caused by a 'poor batch of staff' last year and its 'very old building' which has caused 'excessive damp' in some areas, resulting in it having to shut its kitchen.

He assured that it remains a 'lovely nursery' and that Ofsted's concerns have and are being addressed.

However, parents have criticised the nursery provider, and some have moved their children out of its care.

Ofsted said on its website on March 10 it had received concerns in January over staff and child ratios, qualifications, training, support and skills, the safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment, key person, information and record keeping and other legal duties.