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A nursery which closed suddenly was slated by Ofsted for not providing a “safe and secure environment for children”.
Grasshoppers Nursery, on Broughton Business Park in Fulwood, was forced to suspend its services after inspectors visited in September.
The damning report from that visit has now been published, highlighting concerns over understaffing, poor record keeping, and distressed children.
Among the specific issues spotted were:
- “Weak” leadership with poor oversight meaning there is not “an experienced and trained person in charge of the nursery at all times”, putting children’s welfare at risk.
- Understaffing which leaves “staff overwhelmed and the environment chaotic”, with staff not “clear on the procedures for recording children’s attendance as they change depending on who is in charge of the nursery”.
- Ineffective procedures for supporting children with SEND
- Insecure furniture which can be tipped over by babies and cleaning sprays left within reach of children
- Poor hygiene and handwashing procedures
- Low staff morale
The report also identified the impact of the chaotic environment on children. It said: “The key-person system is not effective. Staff move rooms frequently, which prevents them from forming bonds with and getting to know children.
“Children, particularly those under three years old, spend a lot of time crying and very distressed. They cling to staff members for reassurance. Staff try hard to meet all of [the] children’s needs but due to high numbers of children, this is not possible.
“There are times during the day when children who are upset have comforters removed, causing more distress. This does not support children’s well-being and help them to feel safe.”
The nursery, which had 86 children enrolled at the time of the inspection, was rated ‘inadequate’ in all four areas assessed, having previously been rated ‘good’ overall. As a result, Ofsted issued a Welfare Requirements Notice requiring a series of changes to be carried out.
The report stated: “The nursery does not provide a safe and secure environment for children. The provider has failed to ensure that staff, including those responsible for safeguarding, have the skills and knowledge they need to keep children safe from harm.
“Staff are not sure who is in charge of the nursery each day and who to report concerns about children to. The staff are not deployed effectively to meet children’s needs and procedures for recording children’s attendance are not implemented consistently. This does not support children’s well-being and puts them at significant risk of harm.”
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