Ofsted reports safeguarding concerns at Hitchin nursery

Smartys Day Nursery in Burford Way has received a damning report from Ofsted following an inspection in February.

Ofsted said in a report published in June that safeguarding standards had not been met, with leadership and governance requiring "urgent improvement".

Published this month, the Ofsted report says "leaders have not ensured that there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding", and there is a "lack of oversight".

It says: "Although staff have completed some training, leaders have not checked their knowledge is sufficient to meet requirements and demonstrate how they implement their learning to adequately safeguard children."

Ofsted said four areas at Smartys Day Nursery "need attention" - children's welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, achievement, and inclusion.

The only area that met the expected standard was behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines.

Inspectors found weaknesses in the curriculum and variations in the quality of teaching, leading to gaps in children's learning and development not closing quickly enough.

The report says: "Although leaders and staff have some broad ideas of what they want children to learn, weaknesses in the curriculum design mean it is not well considered for all children."

The report also highlights that some children, particularly those who need additional support or have barriers to their learning, do not consistently receive high-quality learning experiences.

Meanwhile, it says weaknesses in leadership and governance have a significant impact on children's welfare.

"Leaders have not ensured that staff are able to demonstrate consistent knowledge of statutory safeguarding and reporting obligations," the report says.

"These gaps in staff knowledge have significant implications for children's safety."

The report did note that staff generally support children's emotional wellbeing effectively.

It says: "They create a nurturing environment, where children typically feel safe, valued, and secure."

A spokesperson for the nursery said: "While we are disappointed by the inspection outcome, we had already begun implementing improvements prior to the inspection and have continued to strengthen and develop. 

"Our children’s safety, wellbeing and development remain our highest priorities in every part of our practices. 

"We remain proud of the warm, nurturing environment we provide for our children and families.

"We also greatly value the support and feedback from our parents, which truly reflects the strong relationships, and partnerships that we thrive to maintain, and also of Smartys as a whole."