Nursery and play club in Dorchester falls from Good to Inadequate rating
Sunny Days off Middle Farm Way has suffered a large number of staff changes over a short period of time
A Dorchester nursery and play club has seen its Ofsted rating fall from Good to Inadequate after suffering a large number of staff changes over a short time.
Sunny Days, off Middle Farm Way, has now recruited a new manager and extra staff and is making the changes Ofsted inspectors required.
The report raises no concerns about some areas and says that the provision and care of the youngest children, is good and the staff responsive to their needs.
But for some older age groups staff were found not be responding well enough to some situations and were slow to intervene when children became over-excited or boisterous.
The business has already taken action to improving staffing after being issued with welfare requirement notices by Ofsted inspectors.
Concerns
They were concerned about the adequacy of supervision of some age groups during an inspection in April at Sunny Days Nursery and Play Club in Middle Farm Way – returning later in the month, confirming that the required steps had been taken.
These included additional staff to supervise toddlers and pre-school children: “The provider has made changes to the daily routine and organisation, such as splitting pre-school children into smaller groups during mealtimes, to enable staff to supervise them more effectively,” said an Ofsted report.
In May another notice was served, followed by another inspection and, because the work had not been completed a second notice to improve was issued – followed by a regulatory visit on June 7th.
'Satisfied provider has met safeguarding actions'
This time the inspectors were satisfied that sufficient action had been taken, reporting “We found that the provider has improved their support and coaching for staff particularly for those staff working in the pre-school rooms. This is being well monitored by the management team. All staff have completed key-person training and have a better understanding of their role as the key person and how they engage and support their key children. Staff are supporting children with special education needs more effectively and helping children to learn boundaries and expectations for their behaviour. We are satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised.”
Ofsted’s last formal inspection, made in April 2023, and published on June 17th, changed the overall effectiveness of the centre from Good at the previous inspection to Inadequate.
Children's behaviour
The report noted that staff management of some of the children’s behaviour was, at the time, ineffective: “They do not supervise the toddlers and pre-school children well enough or help them to understand the expectations and boundaries. This places children at risk of harm. For example, staff see toddlers repeatedly throwing sand in each other’s faces and ask them to stop but then immediately walk away, so the toddlers continue.”
The inspection also found children not being encouraged to use their manners and staff not intervening when children become over-excited or boisterous: “Many children, including those who require additional support, go for long periods without any interaction or direction from staff. They become unfocused, so their behaviour sometimes deteriorates and they hurt each other.”
The report said that while some toddlers and pre-school children did not receive enough support the situation was far better in the baby rooms where staff were meeting individual needs appropriately.
Staff changes
The report said that there had been a large number of staff changes over a short period of time, including a new manager who had not, at the time of Ofsted visits, had enough time to make the necessary changes.
The report also noted that parents praised the advice and guidance they have received from staff to support their children’s development at home.
Caring for children up to nine years old the centre had 178 places and operates from 7am to 6pm each weekday, all year round, excluding bank holidays. There are 18 members of staff who work with the children and, of these, 10 hold relevant qualifications at levels 2 and 3. Childcare staff are supported by a cook, kitchen staff, maintenance and administrative staff.