A nursery in Ashton has been ordered to improve after an inspection by the education watchdog.

Little Panda’s Pre-School on Broadoak Road has been given a rating of 'requires improved' after previously having a score of 'good'.

While the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development were all rated 'good' at the most recent inspection – published this month, but carried out in May.

But the effectiveness of leadership and management brought the overall rating down with a ranking of 'requires improvement'.

Ofsted inspectors said children settle quickly and feel secure in the school, with a curriculum building on what they know and can do – but that some staff do not understand all policies and procedures and lack confidence in some areas.

Children were said to ‘giggle with glee’ at the nursery while pouring water and playing outside – with staff praised for allowing children to independently experiment with play equipment.

While older children were said to use language well while playing, inspectors noted that not enough time was given to enable children to respond fully on some occasions.

Safeguarding at the nursery was also praised, with staff receiving regular training to identify signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect – however, inspectors noted some staff were less familiar with some safeguarding procedures, even though they knew where to locate them if needed.

Inspectors also noted that parents were engaged with the nursery, giving regular feedback and praising the staff.

Parents told inspectors their children love coming to the pre-school.

While children were said to ‘behave very well,’ such as joining in while cleaning up and remembering to hang up their coats, inspectors noted there was scope for staff to develop a more respectful culture at the nursery by encouraging children to use their manners.

Ofsted inspectors have told the nursery to provide all staff with opportunities to reflect on and review their knowledge of policies and procedures.

Furthermore, staff were told they should make sure they allow children enough time to think and respond to questions they are asked and that they should consider ways to develop a more respectful culture at the nursery by encouraging children to use their manners during interactions.