A PRE-SCHOOL is to close following an Ofsted inspection which labelled the establishment's care and education as inadequate.

Notice of action to improve the Roman Road pre-school in Weymouth was issued by inspectors following their visit last November.

Now owner Jane Ryan has decided to close despite support from parents of youngsters who attend the pre-school.

She said the school had done everything it had been asked to do.

And Mrs Ryan added: "I no longer agree with the direction early years care and education is going. We are desperately sorry to be closing."

In its report the Ofsted team says the staff are creative in their use of the space available and make the environment bright and colourful for children and parents.

But the report says: "The quality and standards of the care are inadequate. The quality and standards of the nursery education are inadequate."

The report also criticises the opportunities for children to learn during play as 'inconsistent' and says the youngsters have 'limited access to a full range of creative resources each day'.

And the children's awareness of diversity and difference is not being raised effectively during activities, says the report.

Organisation, leadership and management are also labelled 'inadequate' by the inspection team.

But parents are upset at the closure and have called on South Dorset MP Jim Knight for help.

Parent Liz Wells, from Roman Road, said: "I just feel it's bureaucracy gone mad with the government bombarding the school with ridiculous new initiatives.

"The ladies there have been doing it collectively for 30 to 40 years so it seems totally ridiculous that they are being told what to do and it feels like they are being intimidated."

"I want a pre-school where my daughter can play and be nurtured and that's what I had at Roman Road."

Parent Bridget Betts said the closure will be a huge loss to the community.

She said: "There are lots of children that are going to be affected and I think there's going to be a huge void."

The pre-school, which will close on July 16, has been open since 1972 and currently looks after 30 children.

Louise Turnbull, from Symonds Close, said her children have been happy at the pre-school and feels the borough should recognise the important role the organisers have had.

She said: "I have nothing but gratitude for the work done and I highly recommend the people running the pre-school."

Mr Knight has made contact with the school to discuss their concerns.

He said: "I'm concerned if they feel that there are issues attached to the inspection that has caused them to close. But obviously I want to have some insurance for parents that the provision is of a high quality."