A TOWN centre nursery which was plunged into Ofsted’s worst category in May after it was revealed more than 50 youngsters’ safety was ‘compromised’ has slightly improved.

Sandpit Nursery, based on Pitt Street, Barnsley, is under the wing of 1st Safari Day Nurseries which has seven similar sites across the country.

At the time of the inspection in October, the nursery had 46 children on its roll.

Following its last inspection the nursery was told it was ‘inadequate’ the lowest of Ofsted’s four categories.

However it has slightly improved and has moved up one category into ‘requires improvement’.

A report states: ” Since the last inspection, leaders have worked hard to make improvements.

“They have designed a curriculum with the intention of helping all children to make good progress in their learning.

“Leaders observe staff’s practice and model good teaching strategies.

“However, the quality of education provided is not yet consistent.

“As a result, not all children make the best possible progress of which they are capable.

“Staff working with older children engage in good-quality interactions with them.

“They introduce new words during play and through stories.

“Children confidently recall that the person who writes a book is called the ‘author’.

“Sometimes, staff working with younger children sing and share rhymes with them.

“At these times, younger children join in.”

However, the nursery has been told to improve in a number of areas.

“At times, toddlers play too roughly with babies, which makes them cry,” the report added.

“Staff do not supervise the babies closely enough to prevent this happening.

“This does not support younger children’s emotional well-being.”