An Accrington nursery has seen its Ofsted rating slip to ‘requires improvement’ following a recent inspection.

The Magical Kingdom Nursery and Pre-School, based in Church Street, had previously been rated good by Ofsted.

The inspection body has told the nursery it needs to improve the sequencing of its curriculum so children can continually build on their knowledge, and ensure its staff are consistent in behaviour management to set good standards.

In its inspection report, Ofsted said: “Staff identify the essential knowledge that they want children to learn. They provide learning activities linked to children's interests.

“However, the content of the curriculum is not well sequenced to help staff consistently build on what children already know and can do.

“On occasion, staff are unclear when children should learn some key information to ensure that they are fully prepared for their future learning.

“That said, children are happy and settled in the setting. Staff are warm and caring, which helps children to feel safe and secure.

“Overall, children behave well. However, on some occasions when children argue and disagree with one another, staff do not consistently implement agreed strategies to help children to understand the expectations for behaviour.”

The report said staff do not always understand how to support children to make the progress they are capable of, and said the lack of consistency in implementing behaviour standards mean sometimes children do not learn how to manage their emotions.

Positives noted in the report included the “skilful use of stories” to develop children’s interest in books, support for children with special needs or disabilities and its work with parents, and its support of personal development such as independence in the bathroom and letting children choose their play activities.

Staff know needs and interests of children in “exceptional detail” so they can plan meaningful activities and children have lots of opportunities for physical activity.

It also found staff enjoy their roles and are supported to aid their development and work, and that safeguarding is effective.