A nursery in south Cumbria is facing an uncertain future after a recent Ofsted rating labelled it as 'inadequate'.

Stramongate Nursery on Blackhall Road in Kendal received the rating for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management following an inspection in August.

This showed a decline in conditions from the previous inspection which branded the nursery as 'good'.

As a direct result of the inspection, funding for free entitlement places for children at the nursery will be withdrawn at the end of this year, bringing into doubt the sustainability of the institution going forward.

Tim Farron - the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale - took to the floor of the House of Commons to ask the Secretary of State for Education to support the facility.

Speaking during Education Questions in Parliament, Mr Farron said: “Stramongate nursery school in Kendal faces closure following an Ofsted inspection. If it had been a regular school, it would have had help to remain open under special measures, but as it is, the nursery may have to close.

“Will the Secretary of State pay attention to this particular issue to ensure that the children and parents are protected, and that childcare can continue?”

Read more: Kendal nursery 'disappointed' with inadequate Ofsted rating | The Westmorland Gazette

Responding, the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented: “I will look carefully at the case and ensure that the honourable Gentleman has a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss it further.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Stramongate Nursery confirmed that the future of the organisation was currently 'under review'.

Speaking after his comments in Parliament, Mr Farron added: “If Stramongate Nursery were to close it would be a huge blow because of the under-two care provision it offers and knowing that other providers in the area would struggle to provide all parents affected with a like for like service.”

A trustee of the nursery said after the Ofsted inspection: "We are of course very disappointed with the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection, both for the families who place their confidence in Stramongate Nursery and the team who work hard to provide a warm, stimulating environment for the children they care for.

"Following the inspection on August 12, urgent action has been taken.

"A more effective management structure has been put in place who have taken the lead in addressing the points raised in the report, and in actioning real change and improvement throughout the setting."