An Isle of Wight nursery has been rated as ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted after inspectors said there were ‘significant weaknesses’ in safeguarding, which ‘compromised children’s well-being’.
YMCA Nursery Newport, has, however, disputed the report and said it lodged a complaint with Ofsted.
Inspected at the end of March
The inspection outcome report was officially published by the government body last Thursday and the contents revealed.
The nursery, based in the grounds of St Mary’s Hospital, was inspected at the end of March by the education watchdog and has fallen from ‘Outstanding’.
‘Insufficient knowledge’ to fulfil leadership roles
The report says leaders had ‘insufficient knowledge’ to fulfil their roles and they ‘did not understand’ their responsibilities regarding allegation management.
The inspectors said this ‘does not assure children’s safety’ as weaknesses in the knowledge of child protection procedures ‘could put children at risk of harm’.
Concerns raised in 2020
Concerns over the nursery had been raised with Ofsted in 2020, when a significant event occurred, but Ofsted did not take any action.
The inspectors said the concerns had been addressed but the nursery’s safeguarding was not effective.
Staff unclear on process
Staff were aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and the procedures for child safety and wellbeing, but they are unclear on the process to follow if they have concerns about individuals’ conduct and how to report it to external agencies.
Children praised and encouraged
Despite the weaknesses, inspectors said staff support children’s learning well and provide a broad and balanced curriculum.
Staff have high expectations of children’s behaviour and use praise and encouragement to support the children and as a result, children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning, understanding rules and boundaries.
Parents have high regard for nursery
Parents speak highly of the nursery staff and told inspectors they feel very supported as the management team deals with complaints effectively.
Inspectors say the strong relationship between the staff and parents helps to support children’s emotional security.
Good team work
Staff work well together, communicating effectively as a team, which helps to provide consistent care and support for children’s needs, Ofsted said.
Gaps in children’s development are identified through observations and assessments and staff organise a range of focus groups to support progress.
Funding is used effectively to ensure all children, including those with special educational needs, make good progress to prepare them for the next stage of learning.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: aaron burden under CC BY 2.0
