A "CHAOTIC" Southampton nursery where toddlers' speech is not supported has been slammed in a watchdog report.

Squirrels Corner Pre-school 2 at Townhill Park Community Centre has been rated as 'requires improvement' in its most recent Ofsted report.

All four categories at the Meggeson Avenue nursery were given a requires improvement rating.

Inspectors said that the pre-school room became "chaotic" after lunch which led to some children's behaviour deteriorating.

READ MORE: Nursery where children are 'free to express themselves' praised in watchdog report

The noise levels at the site became "too high" and staff did not manage routines well enough to meet children's needs.

They found that staff do not respond quickly to children's inappropriate behaviour "to help consistently guide them to understand right from wrong".

Inspectors said that although managers have "high expectations for children's learning", staff do not always implement effective teaching and that children's learning is not challenged well enough.

The report said: "Not all staff have a good enough understanding of the children's needs to provide consistent support to them.

READ MORE: Southampton school told to 'improve' quality of education in watchdog report

"Some staff's interactions do not support young children's developing speech and language skills effectively. This does not ensure children gain the skills they need for the future."

Staff do not support toddlers' speech and language development consistently, the report said.

Inspectors highlighted that "unsettled children" receive "little attention from staff" to help engage them.

This means children then drift between areas and do not settle well at activities or play.

READ MORE: Leadership at Southampton school branded 'inadequate' in 'disappointing' watchdog report

The report also found that not enough information is gathered about children's backgrounds including their home language and culture.

The report found that staff encourage children to be independent, and parents told inspectors they are happy with the pre-school service and comment positively about the support they and their children receive.

Children have access to a good range of toys and resources and staff say they feel supported by the committee and managers.

Managers and staff have appropriate knowledge of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse. 

In light of the inspection on May 3, a spokesperson from Squirrels said: "Following the recent Ofsted visit we have been working with the local authority to put a robust plan in place that addresses and rectifies the issues raised.  

"We have communicated the findings with our parents and have already begun implementing changes and actions."

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