OUTRAGED parents have leaped to the defence of a Norton nursery that was rated inadequate by Ofsted, claiming the report was “a poor representation” and the governing body had made “a big mistake”.

Daisy Chain Day Nursery in Kempton Way, which was rated outstanding in 2011, was downgraded to inadequate following an Ofsted inspection in May this year which raised concerns about children’s safety and poor staffing arrangements.

The report said when youngsters were in an outdoor orchard they were not always within the sight and hearing of staff and a headcount was not conducted when they came back inside.

It also criticised the nursery’s poor staffing arrangements and said children were “not being adequately supervised at all times and therefore their safety, welfare and well-being are seriously compromised on these occasions”.

A flurry of parents however have taken to our website to support the nursery - and they claim Ofsted has got it wrong.

lexbooth wrote: “As the mother of a child who has attended Daisy Chain for 2 years I am disgusted that such a vindictive complaint to Ofsted has resulted in such a poor representation of what is a wonderful nursery.

“Daisy Chain is the best nursery in the area, offering a safe, nurturing and amazing environment for not only my child but the others that attend. The fact that the complaint is down to staffing ratios actually made me laugh as they are overstaffed if anything.”

Skyrocket2005 said: “I know 3 sets of children that have gone through Daisy Chain. My son recently started school and my daughter still attends the nursery. Having known Daisy Chain for over five years I know that it is a loving and caring environment. This news will change when Ofsted re-inspect and realise they have made a big mistake!”

cklkwood said: “I have also emailed Ofsted to query why it has taken them 3 months to publish a report on a setting described inadequate for children. Their timescales are 15 working days to publish reports. So if my children are 'in danger' in a nursery graded 4 then why has it taken so long. Also if Ofsted cannot adhere to their own guidelines how can they preach about others.”

Only one comment criticised the nursery, sallydodo wrote: “Both of my children were injured there due to inadequate supervision. Took them elsewhere...”

Nursery manager Ketrina Hill previously said the matter was under appeal with Ofsted and she has declined to comment further.

A spokesman for Ofsted confirmed correspondence had been received from the nursery regarding the inspection and said a response would be made in due course.

She added: “At the current time the inspection report remains published on Ofsted’s website and there is no intention to remove this.”

To read the Ofsted report in full go to www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/253797