The headteacher of a pre-school has promised improvements after a ‘disappointing’ Ofsted inspection.

St Lawrence Church Preschool, based in Waltham Abbey’s Hillhouse C of E Primary school was told it now requires improvement after previously being rated good.

Reasons stated in a report released last week included a lack of toys which promote multicultural learning to a lack of self-evaluation of performance.

But Joanne Willcox, head of the school in Ninefields, says she is pleased with the positive aspects of the report and said issues raised had now been addressed.

She said: “We are determined to continue to develop all the positive elements mentioned in the report whilst addressing the areas for development.

“We have added to the current wide range of toys, resources and equipment with new multicultural resources for the role play area. 

“St Lawrence preschool staff are friendly and approachable and we pride ourselves on the warm relationships we share with the children and parents.

“Behaviour was said to be good as the staff share consistent expectations and are good role models.”

In the report Inspector Clair Stockings noted: “The new manager and staff demonstrate the appropriate knowledge of the early years foundation stage.”