Children had 'easy access to batteries' at Bradford nursery

Little Wonders Bradford nursery in Manningham, which operates from the Islamic Tarbiyyah Prep School on Ambler Street, received a ‘needs attention’ rating after the inspection on May 6.

Ofsted's concerns

Ofsted inspectors raised concerns about child welfare and risk assessments, noting that children had access to items that could pose a danger.

The Ofsted report stated: "There are occasions when leaders and staff do not complete robust risk assessments to ensure all areas of the premises children access are safe and suitable.

"For example, at times, children have easy access to batteries and string lights left on the benches in the cloakroom and take items from staff's handbags that are left on the floor."

Some children are 'disruptive'

Inspectors also raised concerns about behaviour management within the nursery.

The report continued: "Leaders and staff do not remain aware and vigilant of children.

"There are some children who walk around the setting without purpose and do not receive the support that they need to engage in meaningful play.

"Some of these children become disruptive to other children."

Specific incidents included children knocking down towers built by others, pushing, snatching toys and throwing sand.

Inspectors noted that staff did not consistently address or explain the impact of these behaviours to children.

However, the report did highlight some positives, including strong relationships between staff and children and a clear curriculum vision.

What the nursery has said

In response to the report, a spokesperson for Little Wonders Nursery said: "At Little Wonders ITPS, the safety, wellbeing and development of every child in our care is our highest priority.

"We fully accepted the findings of the recent Ofsted inspection and took immediate action to address each of the areas identified.

"Since the inspection, we have strengthened our daily risk assessment procedures, enhanced staff supervision arrangements, provided additional training in behaviour management, introduced more robust systems for monitoring staff practice and quality assurance, and ensured all statutory documentation and procedures fully meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

"We are pleased that Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding standards were met, recognising that we have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."

'Fully committed to continuous improvement'

The nursery also welcomed Ofsted’s recognition of its warm relationships between staff and children, positive partnerships with parents, and commitment to language development and early literacy.

The spokesperson said: "Like any responsible provider, we view inspections as an opportunity to reflect and improve.

"We remain fully committed to continuous improvement and to providing the highest possible standards of care and education for every child entrusted to us."