Crayford nursery's improvements spark 'Good' Ofsted inspection

Standards slipped at Crayford Gaggle Nursery and Preschool after it

where inspectors stated that staff had "minimal knowledge" of child safeguarding policies.

However, following a lengthy visit by education officials, the Crayford childcare centre has climbed back up the ranks after being awarded a "Good" rating with inspectors noting "positive steps" being taken to ensure improvement.

The glowing Ofsted report said: "Children are happy, secure and settled in their environment.

"They are keen to start their day and join in with their friends.

"Children learn to share, take turns and be kind to each other and staff role model this positive behaviour well."

The report also mentioned that staff now support children's learning in various ways, following their interests, singing nursery rhymes and engaging in games with them.

This is a major turnaround compared to the previous inspection which noted that staff failed to manage the kids' behaviour which led to misbehaviour.

Gaggle owner Sheonalli Malhotra (right), with Dartford Mayor, Cllr David Mote, at the opening of The Chapel nursery in West Hill, Dartford.

Speaking on the positive developments at Gaggle, owner Sheonalli Malholtra explained how their shocking September inspection forced her to make a number of major changes to ensure their next Ofsted visit would truly reflect their abilities.

"We’ve hired a more qualified team since the last inspection, making sure we hired very good, qualified people.

"We implemented staff training days to take place during the weekday rather than on the weekend.

"The new staff then spent whole days doing team building and exchanging ideas so their morale quickly increased.

"We've since had two inspectors come in who spent about seven hours here going through things with a fine toothcomb. "My manager is absolutely ecstatic with the new rating and we’re aiming for "Outstanding" at the next inspection," she said.