Telford nursery told to improve by Ofsted
Weakness in leadership and problems with medication records have led to education inspectors telling a Telford nursery it needs to make improvements.
Wooden Tops Day Nursery, in Madeley, has been told it "requires improvement" by Ofsted.
A newly-published report, following a recent inspection at the nursery based at the Park Lane Centre, said records for the ongoing administration of medication were not always completed in sufficient detail to assure children's well-being.
Inspectors also highlighted concerns with leadership and said more focus was needed on reviewing staff practices.
The report said: "Weaknesses in leadership and management mean that children's welfare is not assured and they are at risk of being overmedicated.
"The manager does not ensure that records for the administration of medicines are completed in full by all staff.
"Although clear processes for performance management and the supervision of staff are in place, managers do not yet evaluate staff's teaching skills critically enough to develop their practice to an outstanding level."
Although being rated as needing to improve overall, the nursery was judged as "good" for the quality of teaching and outcomes for children.
Inspectors said staff had the knowledge of how to keep children safe and supervise them well.
They said the nursery was "welcoming and friendly" and staff were praised for being good role models.
The report also said that teaching was good and that staff understood that children learn in different ways.
It said: "Children's communication and language skills are promoted.
"For example, staff repeat back the noises young children make and introduce them to new words.
"Staff constantly talk to older children about what they are doing and their wider experiences.
"Young children benefit from a range of sensory activities that encourages them to investigate and explore.
"Older children are keen to take part in adult-led activities, such as planting their cress seeds.
"They listen attentively to staff during story time and practise their early writing skills with chalks."
Inspectors said children attending the nursery learn about healthy lifestyles and are encouraged to help themselves to water and feed themselves so they gain independence.
It was also recognised that staff praised children when they did well, helping their confidence and self-esteem.
The inspection was carried out on April 25 – two years after education inspectors last visited the nursery and gave it a "good" rating.
Wooden Tops Day Nursery launched in 2006 and has 87 places for children up to the age of five.
