A PREVIOUSLY 'outstanding' preschool has slipped down the Ofsted rankings.

Despite largely positive feedback from the watchdog, St Nicolas Pre-School and Playgroup in Abingdon has been rated 'requires improvement' in all areas.

The report, published on Thursday after inspection last month, said: "Staff interactions are not effective in maintaining children's interest.

"They do not consistently plan activities with a clear focus on learning.

"Although children are generally busy, they quickly move between activities and do not show high levels of engagement and curiosity."

The report said staff are 'jolly' and 'build warm partnerships with parents,' and understand their responsibility to keep children safe.

ALSO READ: Pictures reveal extent of school damage caused by floods

The preschool and playgroup has 38 children on roll, and was previously rated 'outstanding' in 2015.

Ofsted's latest report added: "Children appear generally happy and to like using the resources.

"The focus when children first start is on helping them settle.

"However, this can be at the expense of challenging and engaging learning experiences.

"Staff do not successfully adapt their planning and teaching to take account of the changing needs and abilities of the children."

It was rated 'requires improvement' in all four key assessment areas, and overall.