A NURSERY in Ledbury remained closed all this week, after an Ofsted deadline for improvements came and went.

But the week closed with the good news Playstation had been waiting for: a green light from Ofsted to re-open on Monday, February 25.

Playstation's owner, Ann Brennan said: "We are delighted to say that the suspension has been lifted and we will be open as normal on Monday morning.

"I would like to thank the whole of my staff team and the parents for all their support through this very difficult time.

"We look forward to seeing all the children next week."

When Ofsted closed the Playstation Day Nursery at the end of January, following an unexpected inspection, Miss Brennan was given until Monday February 18 to put an action plan into operation, which she did.

But earlier this week Ofsted said "the nursery remains suspended while we keep the situation under review".

Miss Brennan told The Reporter there had been a second unexpected Ofsted visit to Playstation on Friday, February 18, but permission to re-open had not followed on that occasion.

Measures undertaken by Playstation, under its action plan, included work to improve heating and room temperature control; improvements to the hot water supply; measures to improve staff training and recruitment; a greater focus on the individual needs and behaviour of children; a stronger focus on whistleblowing, to highlight any problems, and regular minuted meetings for staff when any concerns may be raised.

Ofsted also required the nursery to ensure there were enough qualified employees on the premises at all times, to ensure the required child to staff ratio.

The nursery, near the train station, has been operating in Ledbury since 1991 and has a good reputation with parents.

An Ofsted inspection in May 2017 found that the quality and standard of early years provision was "good".

At the time, 33 children were on the roll and the day nursery employed 11 members of staff.