Staffordshire nursery rated inadequate in Ofsted inspection

Staff ignored children's runny noses and dirty faces at Springfields Day Nursery, in Stone Road, Eccleshall, according to Ofsted inspectors who visited on May 10.

At the time of the inspection there were 50 children at the nursery, from newborn to the age of two.

The nursery was rated inadequate in two areas and requires improvement in two.

Inspector Trisha Turney says in the report: "Children are not adequately safeguarded at this nursery.

In full:

• Read the full Ofsted report on Springfields Day Nursery here

"Large ground-floor windows are left open, which means that unauthorised persons can potentially enter the premises.

"The provider does not ensure that at least one person with a paediatric first-aid qualification is on the premises at all times.

"Staff fail to promote children's good health or meet their hygiene needs effectively.

"For example, staff ignore children's runny noses and dirty faces.

"Children drink from other children's water bottles and staff do not ensure these bottles are cleaned before being used by others. This puts children at risk of cross infection."

Ms Turney also says children do not make as much progress as they can.

She adds: "Children do not make as much progress as they can due to variable teaching and the lack of focused planning for their future learning"

But, Ms Turney also said that children are "happy and settled", they behave well, enjoy nutritious meals and have opportunities for outdoor play and exercise.

To improve, Ms Turney said the nursery must 'take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised persons entering the premises', 'ensure at least one person who has a current paediatric first-aid qualification is on the premises at all times', 'ensure staff promote the good health and meet the hygiene needs of all children attending the nursery' and 'ensure supervision of staff is effective and provides support'.

Springfields Day Nursery has been contacted for comment.