Furious parents have slammed teaching watchdog Ofsted after an inspection left the future of a Middlewood nursery in doubt.

Middlewood Nature Nursery in Winn Grove Middlewood was recently under threat of closing this May after the inadequate Ofsted report led to the council withdrawing funding. 

Frances D Walker, 40, who has a 20 month old son that attends, said: “I would say the expectations on the nurseries are inadequate. 

“The inspector had a duty to talk to parents and to read our testimonials, this was not done. 

“She herself was not appropriately dressed for a forest school walking around in heels.”

The nursery is now to stay open with the council stating to work alongside the nursery in order to adhere to changes needed according to Ofsted. 

Coun Dawn Dale, Chair of Education Children and Families Policy Committee said: “The role of Sheffield City Council following the report  is to enter a formal Notice of Concern process, which includes consideration of funding to the nursery.”

In her report, Ofsted inspector Rachel Ayo said the children’s welfare was ‘compromised’ and that the teaching was ‘weak’.

The report also said that mats used for sleeping were in poor condition and that they along with the snacks provided were a choking hazard. 

The uncertainty of the nursery’s funding and whether it may have been shut down by the council left many parents in panic. 

Frances D Walker, 40. Said: “I would have had to take unpaid leave for the whole of May and whilst I sorted something, some parents were really worried as there was nothing else available for them.”

The nursery advertises itself as a ‘nursery without walls’ and focuses on bringing the children outdoors. However Ms Ayo criticised this when she wrote: “Children embark on a lengthy walk in the cold weather to get to the woods. Staff fail to recognise when younger children may be too tired to walk back.”

A petition was started to save the nursery and has now gained 1,381 signatures. Parents commented underneath praising the nursery.

One parent said: “The nursery has provided everything and more for my children that I have ever wanted and given them opportunities to grow and learn. 

“They have provided exceptional care.”

Ofsted were contacted for comment.