Nursery told to improve by inspectors
Concerns have been raised about the safety of children at a Black Country nursery.
Little Academy Nursery in Tipton has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted who said management did not have acceptable safeguarding procedures in place.
The nursery, based at Tipton Sports Academy off Wednesbury Oak Road, was rated 'inadequate' in two categories out of a total four, while it was rated 'good' in the other two.
The inspection by the education watchdog took place on June 22.
It had previously been rated 'good' in its previous inspection, which took place in 2015.
An inspector said in an Ofsted report: "Children's welfare is compromised. The provider, who is also a manager, does not ensure that all staff understand the safeguarding policy and procedures.
"The provider does not ensure that there is always one member of staff who has a current paediatric first-aid certificate on site at all times. This puts children at risk.
"Self-evaluation is not effective. The provider has failed to identify breaches in requirements and target improvements to keep children safe.
"At times, staff working with older children lead their learning too much and do not give them enough time to play and explore at their own pace."
The categories that the nursery was rated inadequate for was under 'effectiveness of the leadership and management' and 'personal development, behaviour and welfare'.
But Ofsted also highlighted the nursery's strength.
It was rated 'good' in the categories of 'quality of teaching, learning and assessment' and 'outcomes for children '.
An inspector said: "Staff challenge children in their learning well. For example, they are skilled in their use of questions to help extend children's understanding.
"Children make good progress in their learning and development. They are well prepared for their future learning, including the move to school. Children develop good literacy skills. Babies are keen to share books with staff and older children learn to write their names.
"Staff make accurate assessments of children's progress and plan for their next steps in learning well. They use children's interests to provide engaging activities that encourage them to explore and investigate."
The nursery was unavailable for comment.
