Croydon nursery requires urgent improvement after Ofsted inspection

Little Rayes Daycare, located on Tamworth Road, West Croydon, has been instructed to make urgent improvements following an Ofsted inspection. The report, published on 21 August 2026, found the nursery requires significant changes in its curriculum and teaching, as well as its approach to inclusion.

Concerns over SEND support and teaching

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The inspection, which took place on 3 July 2026, identified that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are not making expected progress. Inspector Jenny Selvakumaran noted in the report that when these children struggle with communication, staff do not consistently persevere with support, believing it will not make a difference.

The report also stated that agreed methods to help children manage routines and transitions were not always followed, leading to distress. Additionally, inspectors observed staff completing creative activities themselves rather than allowing children to lead, which limited opportunities for exploration and experimentation. The nursery provides full-day care for up to 39 children aged between two and five.

Hygiene and leadership also flagged

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Concerns were also raised regarding hygiene practices, with inspectors finding that staff did not consistently model good hygiene, specifically mentioning instances where hands were not washed after wiping children's noses. Leadership and governance were rated as needing attention, with criticism that necessary improvements were not identified and acted upon quickly enough.

The nursery has been required by Ofsted to review its support for children not making expected progress, seek professional advice when necessary, and ensure staff consistently follow agreed support strategies. Management must also improve the curriculum and teaching to clearly define learning objectives and adapt activities for children's development.

Manager's response

Lorraine Martin, Manager and Director of Little Rayes Daycare, described the report as 'unfair' but acknowledged that improvements are being made. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the nursery has put measures in place and reassured parents that they will 'tighten up'. Ms Martin felt that one aspect of the rating focused too heavily on the challenges of supporting a non-verbal child, stating that the nursery had since secured an Education, Health and Care Plan for the child. She added that staff had received additional training and support since the inspection.

Strengths identified

Despite the areas requiring improvement, the Ofsted report did acknowledge strengths at the nursery. Statutory safeguarding requirements were met, and inspectors found an open and protective culture where safeguarding is considered everyone's responsibility. Children's behaviour was also praised, with inspectors noting positive responses to guidance and secure relationships with staff.

Ms Martin stated that parents had expressed satisfaction with the care provided, noting the love and attention their children receive. The nursery's priority, she added, is to ensure children are 'school-ready' when they leave.