Busy Otters Pre-School in Ottery Saint Mary has temporarily closed following an Ofsted inspection.
The committee wrote to parents and carers on September 18 to announce that the closure is effective immediately. In a statement signed by the Busy Otters Committee, they said: “We have taken this decision proactively to allow us the time and space needed to carefully address the issues identified during the inspection and to ensure that the appropriate improvements are firmly put in place before we reopen.”
The committee said they want to “reassure parents and carers that this decision has been made with the best interests of the children at the heart of it” and that they are “working closely with the relevant professionals”. They added that they will use this period to “review our procedures, strengthen our practice and ensure that Busy Otters is in the strongest possible position when we welcome the children back.”
The statement continued: “We appreciate that a temporary closure will cause disruption to families, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. However, we believe that taking this time now is the responsible step to ensure that the setting can reopen safely and confidently.”
The committee-run preschool was first registered in 1987. Its latest Ofsted inspection results have not yet been released to the public. The last inspection took place in June 2021, when the pre-school received “good” in quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.
The committee said it will keep parents updated throughout the closure and provide further information regarding plans and the reopening date. They asked that staff not be contacted directly, and directed parents to email the committee at [email protected] for questions and concerns.
Ofsted Inspection Prompts Temporary Closure of Ottery St Mary Preschool