A FORMER MP has hit out at education watchdog Ofsted for labelling an “exceptional” children’s charity as ‘inadequate’.

Bosses at Stepping Stones Play and Learn Group, based in the Wilson Marriage Centre, in Colchester, say the group received the concerning rating because it was not aware of anti-radicalisation checks had to be carried out on each member of its organising committee - something which Ofsted denies.

It was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding Ofsted inspection, which said children made “excellent” progress during their time with staff.

It also said staff are “highly skilled”.

In a letter to Ofsted bosses, Sir Bob Russell, who is the town’s High Steward, said the rating is “the most ludicrous observation that could be made about a group which is held in such high esteem by the people of Colchester”.

He added: “Fortunately it is so obvious that Ofsted has lost the plot with such a ridiculous ruling that people are not so much angered but rather treating with contempt and ridicule the organisation which you head.

“How can Ofsted be taken seriously as an education watchdog? How can anyone have any respect and confidence in Ofsted if it can make a ruling which flies in the face of everything that is known about Stepping Stones, the wonderful work they have done over the past 25 years, the fantastic staff?”

Sir Bob has invited watchdog bosses to re-visit the charity for see the “incredible” work it does with children and young people.

He added: “There is no other organisation I know of which provides the specialist service it does, particularly for the hundreds of children over the past quarter-of-a-century who have special needs - often very challenging needs.

“Shouldn’t Ofsted be praising Special Stones?

“Finding fault, and then to issue a public condemnation because they did not ensure committee members were checked to prevent radicalisation, branding its leadership and management ‘inadequate and ineffective presents Ofsted in a very bad light.

"It would seem Stepping Stones is guilty of failing to tick some boxes - which they did not know even existed.”

Ofsted bosses deny the rating is related to radicalisation checks, stating: "The judgement was because the nursery had not informed us about changes to committee members, who would need to have routine suitability checks."