The team at a Dereham nursery is celebrating after transforming its Ofsted grade from 'inadequate' to 'good' in just four months. 

The education watchdog gave Little Footsteps in Norwich Road the negative rating following an inspection on February 21, when a safeguarding issue regarding a child who came home with 'finger bruising' was raised. 

Dereham Times: Little Footsteps Nursery in DerehamLittle Footsteps Nursery in Dereham (Image: Archant © 2013)

But following their most recent visit on June 14, inspectors rated the preschool good in all areas. 

Gemma Hewett, nursery co-owner, said: “We are so pleased and relieved that Ofsted can see our true capability.

“It was a really challenging four months but the staff have improved their confidence greatly and we could show Ofsted that we know what we are doing. 

Dereham Times: Donna Nevill (left) and Gemma Hewett, co-owners of Little Footsteps, in DerehamDonna Nevill (left) and Gemma Hewett, co-owners of Little Footsteps, in Dereham (Image: Archant)

“I and Donna were really thinking of leaving the business after the last report, but we are both so glad that we stuck in there and with the help of our staff, turned it around, improved our public image and got our reputation back.”

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Ofsted's new report says: “Since the last inspection, there has been a strong focus on helping staff to improve their understanding of the nursery's policies and procedures for safeguarding children."

The report goes on to praise the nursery for the children’s emotional well-being, a broad curriculum, and support in developing children's understanding of different people, places and their local community.

It also said Little Steps took action to address the weaknesses identified in the last inspection.

These included ensuring each child has a ‘key person’ who understands their needs and maintains regular communication with their parents.

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Dereham Times: Little Footsteps Childcare in Dereham made the decision to remain open during the coronavirus crisis to provide care to children of key workersLittle Footsteps Childcare in Dereham made the decision to remain open during the coronavirus crisis to provide care to children of key workers (Image: Archant)

Ofsted says the nursery could do even better by providing more targeted support for staff to help them make the best use of opportunities to develop children's communication and language skills.