A CHILDREN’S charity which was labelled inadequate just six months ago is now celebrating an outstanding rating.

Stepping Stones Play and Learn was thrust into uncertainty after Ofsted inspectors rated the group inadequate because a number of checks on leadership group members - including on anti-radicalisation rules - were not carried out.

But yesterday, a fresh report into the charity - which provides care for children of all abilities aged between five and 18 - labelled it outstanding.

Carol Nice, who founded the group 25 years ago, said the inadequate rating had been “heartbreaking” for the 17 members of staff and meant she was unable to apply for funding for six months.

Mrs Nice said as a result, this year’s budget is down about £70,000.

She added: “It has been a very difficult time.

“We knew inspectors had kept saying what we were doing in the nursery was outstanding but unfortunately it is what in black and white paperwork that counts.

“For us, it is all about funding. We haven’t been able to in put any applications for funding since the rating and we are now really behind in funding so actually it is still quite a worry.”

The charity traditionally applies for funding from organisations such as Children in Need and the Henry Smith Charity.

Mrs Nice added: “Our inspectors were really supportive throughout it and we have about 100 families come through us every week and not one family raised any concerns, so we knew what we were doing was right.

“But if you can’t go for funding, you just can’t operate.”

The fresh report praised the charity’s leadership, quality of teaching, personal development and behaviour and the subsequent outcomes for children.

The report adds: “Leaders have made huge improvements since the last inspection to ensure arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

“Robust systems are now in place to ensure committee members, as well as staff, are vetted thoroughly and Ofsted are notified of leadership changes swiftly.”

It also states: “Educational programmes and activities are exceptionally well planned and adapted to ensure all children are included and gain the most from every session.

“Teaching is of consistent high quality. Excellent use is made of indoor and outdoor resources to extend children’s learning and development.”

Inspectors also said staff’s relationship with parents is “exceptional”.

The Gazette revealed the inadequate rating in December last year.

Since then, Mrs Nice said the response from the public has been “absolutely brilliant”.