A PLAYGROUP manager has hit back after Ofsted inspectors rated her Wroughton pre-school as 'requires improvement'.

The education regulator said the quality of teaching at Tick Tock Playgroup was inconsistent, the relationship between staff and manager had broken down and there were limited learning opportunities and resources outdoors.

And it was claimed staff did not provide good opportunities for children of different nationalities to use resources that reflected their backgrounds or made them feel valued.

But Charlotte McLee, playgroup manager, heavily criticised the schools inspectorate in a fiery letter sent to parents of children at the Hall Close pre-school.

She claimed the Ofsted report was factually inaccurate, adding that she had submitted a complaint about the “unprofessional and unacceptable” conduct of the inspector.

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Ms McLee told parents that Ofsted had visited during the Easter holidays when just one in 10 pupils were still on site and five members of staff – a quarter of the usual number.

“Being the quieter part of the year we took the opportunity to bring in new staff early in order to support their transition into Tick Tock,” she wrote.

“This was an opportunity for them to get to know small groups of our children, as well as allowing children to get to know them. We also had two of our long-term trainees on site and myself.”

Ms McLee said the comparative novelty of the new staff-members helped explain the Ofsted’s claim that some staff did not interact well with children or extend their learning, leaving them unsupported to “make as much progress as possible”.

She added: “When it was explained that the staff had only joined us the day before, the inspector felt this was not acceptable and that children should already be happy to work with all staff.”

Ofsted claimed the working relationship between the manager and some staff had broken down, saying: “Although the manager carries out supervision meetings with staff, some find it hard to discuss issues with her.

"This is having a negative impact on morale and the effectiveness of the team.”

But Tick Tock said it disputed the regulator’s account, with Ms McLee telling parents: “When staff did respond disputing the claims she laughed and smirked at them.” The Adver approached Ofsted for comment.