Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, which includes the town of Market Rasen, has welcomed the decision by Ofsted to withdraw a report into the Town & Country Kiddies day nursery and kids club which would have seen the its rating downgraded for not being sufficiently culturally diverse.

Sir Edward Leigh said:

“I stand by this excellent nursery completely and I’m glad Ofsted have withdrawn the report. The idea that three-year-olds  need an in-depth understanding of different cultures is ridiculous. It’s clear to me that there are problems with a small number of Ofsted’s inspectors who just don’t seem to understand their proper role. Ofsted should be tackling this. Inspectors should be evaluating the curriculum and safety and leaving personal politics at the front door.

“We may not be very diverse in our part of Lincolnshire, but our minorities are more than welcome and are well integrated into our towns, villages and communities.

“I am worried that we may see more cases like this if the Government’s plan to enforce so-called ‘British values’ goes forwards – I can’t imagine anything less British than Orwellian nursery inspectors.”

The, now withdrawn, Ofsted report praised the nursery on several aspects, including relationships with parents, phonics teaching, and the motivation of children, however, the report criticised staff for not providing enough opportunities for children to learn about people who are different from themselves.

West Lindsey District Councillor for the Market Rasen Ward, Cllr. Thomas Smith, said:

“I am deeply concerned about this. I am glad it has been halted. The teaching staff cannot help the demographics of Market Rasen and that this should be happening for the second time, following the criticism last year of Middle Rasen Primary School, in eighteen month is hard to believe. I hope that common sence will prevail.”