Midland nursery faces harsh Ofsted criticism over child safety concerns

Concerns Over Child Safety at Midland Nursery

A nursery in the Midlands has expressed deep sadness following an inspection by Ofsted, which found that children were at risk of harm. The Old School House Day Nursery, located in Middleton near Tamworth, faced serious concerns regarding its security and overall standards.

Security Failures Identified

The education watchdog highlighted several security issues during an inspection conducted on June 2. Inspectors noted that doors were not properly locked, allowing unauthorized access to the nursery on Church Lane. Additionally, ground floor windows were left open, further compromising the safety of the children.

Ofsted’s report stated that these security failures put the children at risk of harm. The nursery was rated as 'inadequate' in this recent inspection, a significant drop from its previous rating of 'good' in 2021.

Issues with Daily Operations

Beyond security concerns, inspectors identified other areas of concern. Children were observed wandering around with little focus, and there were long waits for meals and nappy changes. This lack of structure and timely care raised questions about the quality of care provided.

Hygiene and cleanliness also came under scrutiny. Staff were found using ripped changing mats that could not be adequately cleaned. Dirty toilet brushes were left within reach of children, and some youngsters were seen eating with unwashed hands. Furthermore, clean plates and cutlery were stored in dirty cupboards, indicating poor hygiene practices.

Positive Aspects Noted

Despite these findings, Ofsted acknowledged some positive aspects of the nursery. Communication between staff and parents was praised, with inspectors noting that parents felt supported through various methods of information sharing. This communication was seen as a strength that helps support children's learning at home.

Nursery's Response

Nursery director Emily Carter expressed her deep sadness and shock over the report. She did not believe the inspection accurately reflected the nursery's operations. "These matters are taken extremely seriously and were rectified straight away by our management team," she said.

Carter emphasized that the nursery had fully cooperated with Ofsted and provided support to families, reassuring them of the immediate actions taken to address the issues raised. She stressed that children's safety is the highest priority for the nursery.

She added that the inspection did not provide a true picture of a typical day at the nursery. The nursery is currently working with Warwickshire County Council's Early Years Advisory Team to prepare for its next inspection, which is expected in the coming months.

Ongoing Improvements

The nursery is committed to making necessary improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care. By addressing the concerns raised by Ofsted, the nursery aims to restore confidence among parents and maintain high standards of care.