Hospital site nursery rated ‘inadequate’
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE nursery which was previously rated as “outstanding” has fallen to “inadequate” after its latest Ofsted inspection.
Little Millers Day Nursery and Out of School Club is on the site of King’s Mill Hospital on Mansfield Road in Sutton-in-ashfield, and was visited by inspectors in March.
Having previously been rated outstanding in 2015, it was deemed inadequate with safeguarding concerns raised by Ofsted.
The nursery, which is run by the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, provides care for up to 96 children, including some with disabilities.
It employs 22 members of staff and looks after children from six weeks to eight years-old.
The report, which was published by Ofsted earlier this month, states: “The provider is not meeting safeguarding and welfare requirements. Children’s safety is not assured because staff do not have secure knowledge and understanding of the ‘Prevent’ duty.
“This means that staff may not identify when children or their families are at risk of being drawn into extreme and radicalised behaviour.”
Inspectors did, however, find that children developed trusting relationships with staff who take the time to understand their care needs, also providing them with opportunities to develop their social skills.
Children are also described as “confident learners” who love reading books and feel valued at the nursery.
The report found that systems were not put in place to ensure effective safeguarding and, though staff have completed some relevant training, the manager had not checked that staff understand the training.
The report continues: “Children’s safety and welfare are compromised because staff lack knowledge and understanding around some safeguarding topics.”
Rob Simcox, Director of People for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “The whole of our hardworking Little Millers team shares Ofsted’s ambition to ensure that families can access the best possible day care.
“Our dedicated team is committed to addressing the points raised by inspectors and are already working to get our rating back to a level our Little Millers families deserve.”