Ofsted slams Rochdale pre-school in damming report
Little Stars Pre-school criticized for inadequate access to drinking water and safeguarding deficiencies
Little Stars Pre-school in Rochdale has been instructed by Ofsted to make urgent improvements across all categories following a critical inspection.
The inspection at the Fieldhouse Industrial Estate facility highlighted significant issues, including inadequate access to drinking water and deficiencies in safeguarding practices that left children at risk.
Inspection findings
During the visit at the end of January 2026, the inspector noted that children lacked individual water cups and access to water kept on a ledge, making it difficult for non-verbal children to request drinks.
Further concerns included inadequate hygiene practices, where staff failed to consistently intervene with children's care, risking their health and wellbeing.
The report also criticized the pre-school’s curriculum, leadership, and support for special educational needs and disabilities. Staff were not fully trained in recognizing signs of abuse and neglect, raising welfare concerns.
Response and improvement plans
Management at Little Stars disputed the claims, emphasizing access to drinking water and pointing to disruptions from burst pipes and flooding prior to the inspection.
A spokesperson expressed disappointment with the findings and shared efforts to address issues through a detailed improvement plan, strengthened staff support, and collaboration with external networks for sustained development.
“We take all feedback seriously and have already implemented a detailed improvement plan...We remain fully committed to ongoing improvement and would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the progress made,” the spokesperson said.
Ofsted has issued the pre-school a Welfare Requirements Notice, requiring specific actions to enhance their provision. Little Stars Pre-school continues to underline their dedication to children's safety and development amid ongoing improvements.