The firm in charge of an "unsafe" pre-school has collapsed into liquidation and closed after it was rated inadequate by Ofsted. Little Ducklings Preschool Afterschool and Holiday Club in Edward Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, had 66 children on its roll, according to inspection documents from April 2025. Ofsted's website says the school is now closed. A liquidator was appointed at Little Ducklings Preschool Ltd. on April 21 this year. The London Gazette, the official public record, says the company has also been issued with a winding up order - a court ruling that forces an insolvent firm into compulsory liquidation.

The preschool registered in 2023, and employed 11 members of childcare staff in 2025. It provides government-funded places for children aged nine months to four years, Ofsted added. Inspectors wrote: "Children's safety is not assured. Leaders and managers do not implement robust safeguarding policies and procedures. They do not have a secure understanding of their roles and responsibilities to protect children from possible harm and neglect."

The report added: "Leaders and managers do not ensure the pre-school's safeguarding policies and procedures are robust and implemented effectively.

"They do not recognise the significance of ongoing safeguarding concerns or swiftly identify possible child protection issues.

"Leaders and managers do not take action to report and progress safeguarding concerns.

"They do not follow up or escalate ongoing concerns to the relevant agencies to ensure action is taken to protect children.

"This compromises children's overall safety and well-being."

Ofsted did acknowledge, however, that children "arrive happily, excited for the day ahead".

"They are warmly welcomed by staff, who know them well and help them feel valued," the inspection concluded.

"Children form strong bonds with staff, which gives them a sense of security and belonging. They benefit from a secure, well-planned environment that enables them to explore confidently. Staff engage children in a broad range of activities that support their learning and development."

Moreover, children learned to "behave well", as staff encouraged older children to "take responsibility for small tasks, such as tidying up, putting rubbish in the bin, placing their belongings away at the beginning of the day and accessing their drink bottles".

"Staff provide appropriate support, allowing children to develop self-help skills," Ofsted added. "For example, during snack and lunchtime, children are encouraged to persevere as they attempt to open food packets, following the staff's 'pinch and pull' method."