'Inadequate' Corby children's centre up for re-inspection

World champion athlete Fatima Whitbread met mothers and children at the centre earlier this year

A children's centre labelled "inadequate" after an Ofsted inspection has said it is ready to be re-inspected.

The Pen Green Centre in Corby, in Northamptonshire, said it disagreed with Ofsted's conclusions but had made changes anyway.

The chairman of governors said Ofsted had upheld one of the complaints made by the centre after the inspection.

Ofsted said that would not comment on individual inspections.

Following a visit from Ofsted in September, a report was published last week which showed the early years provision at Pen Green centre had been downgraded from "outstanding".

One of the observations made by inspectors was that children walk and run with objects in their mouths, such as food and a pen.

Ofsted also complained that "staff do not offer explanations or clear guidance, resulting in some children being upset and confused".

The centre lodged a formal complaint with the standards body.

Adam Cooper, chairman of governors, said one of Pen Green's complaints about the inspection had been upheld by Ofsted

Adam Cooper, Pen Green's chairman of governors, said: "We have heard back from Ofsted and they have only upheld one of our many complaints.

"They have said they will be following up some of our complaints with staff internally.

"Moments after the inspection, we had put an action plan together, we'd started making changes to try and counter some of the criticisms that were being given, even though we felt that they were unfair.

"So we are now ready to be re-inspected whenever Ofsted are willing to come in."

Ofsted told the BBC it does not comment on individual inspections or complaints.

Ofsted said its inspectors saw children walking or running with food and objects such as a pen in their mouths

The centre offers training and research as well as nursery provision and childcare.

It works with education providers nationally and internationally.

Earlier this year, the world champion javelin athlete Fatima Whitbread visited and gave her support to its work.

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