Day nursery rated ‘inadequate’

OFSTED inspectors have raised safeguarding concerns for a Nottinghamshire day nursery.

Following an inspection on Thursday, November 30, the government agency found that children at Beacon Hill Day Nursery, in Newark, “did not receive the right support to promote their welfare and development needs” and that safeguarding was “not effective.”

Inspectors graded it as ‘Inadequate’ in all areas, which included the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and management.

At the time of the inspection, there were 56 children enrolled at the nursery, all of which were fouryears-old or younger. One of the key concerns raised by inspectors following the visit was safeguarding. The report states: “Although the staff and the manager are aware of some of the signs and symptoms of abuse, the manager failed to make referrals for children where there are indicators that a child’s home life makes them susceptible to abuse.”

It was noted by Ofsted that staff at the nursery are “not supported well enough to understand their duty to safeguard children” and that they “do not work consistently with other professionals involved in the care of children with SEND.”

However, it added: “Staff carry out appropriate risk assessments and ensure that the premises are secure. Children are well supervised at all times while they play, sleep and eat.”

It also praised the nursery for supporting children to behave appropriately and providing pupils with a range of opportunities to develop an active lifestyle.