KOALAS Opportunity Group has improved and been rated good by Ofsted one year after being found to be inadequate by the watchdog.

Following a July 3 inspection, the Middleleaze group, which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities, struck a good rating for meeting children’s needs, contributing to their wellbeing and leading the early years’ provision effectively.

Ofsted inspector Julie Swann said the partnership between parents and professionals was strong, with parents fully included in the setting and in their children’s learning and development; staff knew the right procedures to follow if they had concerns about a child and were used effectively to meet care and learning needs.

She said: “Children benefit from warm, affectionate bonds with familiar and trusted staff.

This helps children to feel settled and secure within the setting.

“The physical environment, resources and activities are good. Staff provide children with exciting play.”

She said the group was not yet outstanding because at times techniques used by staff were not consistent and some children had fewer opportunities use numbers in play.