An Isle of Wight nursery labelled inadequate by Ofsted has said it will appeal what it calls a 'shocking' and 'procedurally inaccurate' report.
YCMA, in Newport, claims to have been downgraded from 'outstanding' following a recent visit.
Ofsted has told the County Press it does not comment on individual inspections until reports are made available online.
Having seen the findings of the report, the early years setting, based on the site of St Mary's Hospital, said it 'fiercely defends' its reputation and has lodged a complaint.
YMCA Fairthorne’s Chief Executive, Phillipa Spicer, claims the inadequate rating was given in response to a specific scenario posed by an inspector.
The nursery said the question asked to staff was: 'What course of action would you take if you witnessed a member of staff assaulting a child?'
Ms Spicer said: "Without exception, all our staff stated that we would first ensure the child was safe and protected by removing the offending member of staff and then calling LADO. This was deemed incorrect by the Ofsted inspector resulting in the 'inadequate' rating.
"Not only was our response the correct one, in line with legislation and our charity’s policy, the inspector was not able to evidence any legislation to support her position when asked to validate her statement by our nursery manager.
“We are adamant that the reasons stated by the inspector for this grading are wholly inappropriate and, worse, counter to a culture of safeguarding. This is simply not acceptable.
“We want to reassure the families of those children we look after, who put their trust and faith in us, and our other stakeholders, that we remain committed to always deliver the best and safest care that we can. We will continue to provide services of the highest standard.”
Ofsted, a non-ministerial government department, is already under scrutiny following the death of Ruth Perry.
The headteacher, who led Caversham Primary in Reading, took her own life following a critical inspection of the school.
The government insists the inspections are vital in ensuring a good and safe standard of learning across the UK.
The County Press will publish Ofsted's response as and when one is received.
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