A nursery in Reading has been deemed ‘unsafe' after receiving an 'inadequate' rating in its first-ever Ofsted inspection.
Spencer's Wood Day Nursery on Basingstoke Road, was rated "inadequate" in four out of five categories following the inspection on August 28, 2024.
The nursery, which is operated by Grandir UK, was slammed by the educational watchdogs in categories including the quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management.
The behaviour and attitudes category for the nursery was told it ‘requires improvement’.
Ofsted's report states that "children's safety is not assured" and that "adults are able to gain access into the setting unchallenged via two security gates."
The report also says that "leaders do not ensure all staff understand and follow policies and procedures in place to help keep children safe."
The nursery is criticised for its curriculum, which inspectors say "does not provide children with enough breadth or challenge."
The report continues to say "The premises are not secure and unauthorised visitors are able to enter.
"Furthermore, leaders do not support staff to gain a good enough knowledge and understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures and how to report child protection concerns to other agencies."
The report also states that "at times, the quality of staff's interaction with children is poor."
However, the nursery was praised for its freshly cooked meals, and opportunities for outdoor play.
In response, Spencer's Wood Day Nursery said: "At Grandir UK, the safety, wellbeing, and education of the children in our care are our highest priorities.
"Following the recent Ofsted inspection at Spencers Wood Nursery on August 28, 2024, we acknowledge the 'inadequate' rating and accept the findings of the inspector.
"While we are deeply disappointed by this outcome, we want to assure parents and the wider community that immediate steps have been taken to address all areas of concern, particularly around safeguarding.
"It is important to clarify that there have been no safeguarding incidents at the nursery.
"As a proactive response to the inspection, we have already implemented the following measures:
"Appointment of a dedicated front of house manager to ensure secure entry and prevent tailgating, installation of keypad entry systems on all playroom doors for enhanced security, comprehensive refresher safeguarding training for all staff, revisiting of our accident and injury policy, with further training provided to ensure full compliance, clear communication of emergency contact details for safeguarding, which are now displayed across the nursery for ease of access, and a comprehensive induction process for all agency staff to ensure they are fully aware of policies and procedures.
"We understand the challenges faced by a new nursery, including recruitment, but we remain confident in the progress made under the leadership of our new manager, Lauren, who has introduced an ambitious curriculum and worked tirelessly to establish stability.
"Both our regional manager and early years specialist are providing enhanced oversight and regular support.
"We anticipate that Ofsted will revisit the nursery within the next six months, and we are committed to addressing all concerns well ahead of that time.
"We are confident that our ongoing improvements will result in a swift turnaround towards a far more positive result.
"Our focus remains on the children, ensuring that they continue to receive the high standard of care, education, and support that parents expect from Grandir UK."
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