A NURSERY branded inadequate by Ofsted is challenging the judgement.

Little Treasures Academy, in Thorney Leys, Witney, was given the worst possible rating in every area when inspectors visited at the beginning of May.

In a report just published, inspector Tracy Bartholomew raised concerns about cleanliness, limited progress by some children, a lack of understanding of effective teaching and insufficient staff in each room to meet children’s individual needs.

But owner Joy Devendra hit back at the criticisms, which she claimed did not reflect the verbal feedback she had received.

She said: “We disagree with the grading and the report, and a number of parents have also made a formal complaint to Ofsted.

“We have a very happy group of parents who are extremely satisfied with the care we provide.”

There are 127 children in the early years age group and 49 older children up to the age of 14.

The report said areas were not kept clean, with dirty highchairs left embedded with food from previous mealtimes.

Mrs Devendra claimed this referred to a single highchair left with cereal crumbs from breakfast.

Ms Bartholomew said: “Rugs and toys are clearly not routinely cleaned. They are soiled and unhygienic, with ground-in dirt.”

She also criticised staffing arrangements in the toddler room as poor, leading to staff failing to notice disagreements between children.

The key person system – where each child has a primary carer – was not well maintained.

She said: “Staff fail to comfort their key children when they are distressed, regardless of the children holding up their arms.”

Deanne Shawky, whose four-year-old daughter Aisha has attended the nursery since she was nine months old, said she was “devastated and shocked” by the judgement, and would be complaining to Ofsted.

She said: “I couldn’t believe I was reading a report regarding the same nursery my daughter goes to. I think it’s outstanding.”

An Ofsted spokesman said it did not comment on individual inspections, or on complaints while they were being investigated. The nursery will face a reinspection within 12 months.