Nursery near Oswestry is rated as inadequate in report
A nursery that opened in a former primary school building near Oswestry just over a year ago has been rated as inadequate in its first Ofsted report.
Unicorn Nursery, in Maesbury Marsh, compromises children’s welfare, and safeguarding policies are not implemented by leaders, the report says.
It also shows that staff development is not fully effective, while teaching is not being matched to the children’s age or ability.
However, the report also says that children are offered good physical activities and “all children make good progress” at the nursery, which opened in the former Maesbury Primary School in early 2018.
In full:
The nursery was rated inadequate overall, with the same rating for the effectiveness of leadership and management and personal development and welfare.
But it was rated good in the quality of teaching and outcomes for children elements.
The nursery has been approached for comment.
Inspector Anne Clifft said in her report: “Children’s welfare is compromised. Leaders do not ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented effectively.
“The professional development of staff is not fully effective to ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities relating to safeguarding children.
Routines
“Self-evaluation is ineffective. The provider does not ensure all requirements are met.
“At times, staff working with toddlers and babies do not match their teaching precisely to children’s age and stage of development. Some routines in the toddler room are not fully effective and staff keep children waiting too long.”
But she added: “Staff provide children with a stimulating learning environment that reflects the different areas of learning well, particularly in the pre-school room.
“Children benefit from a good range of opportunities to practise their physical skills.
“Babies enjoy crawling through tunnels and balance carefully as they pick up balls.
“Older children create circular movements with streamers and learn how to pedal trikes.
“All children make good progress. They gain a wide range of useful skills that prepare them well for their future learning and school. They eagerly play, explore and make new discoveries.”
The report adds: “Leaders do not meet all welfare requirements. Safeguarding is ineffective.
“Leaders fail to ensure that all staff receive effective safeguarding training.
“Not all staff have a secure understanding of the possible signs that a child is at risk of harm, particularly signs that children may be at risk of extreme views, and the correct procedures to follow if they have concerns about a child’s welfare.”
