A CHILDCARE chain has been criticised again by Ofsted for failings at one of its nurseries in South Gloucestershire.
Just Childcare runs Tippytoes Day Nursery, in Yate, which the regulator says “requires improvement” after its second visit in four months.
The company runs 60 nurseries across the UK. All four of its nurseries in South Gloucestershire, have been criticised by Ofsted this year.
In March an inspector said Tippytoes, in Firgrove Crescent, required improvement after finding the toddler room to be “disorganised” and “chaotic”.
The company blamed industry-wide staff shortages for the failings, and told the Voice it had resolved the issues.
But when the nursery was visited again in July, another Ofsted inspector gave it the same rating in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
‘At times, toddlers push their friends and throw toys’
Inspector Sarah-Louise Clements said there was now less disruption in the toddler room.
However staff did not always supervise children with special educational needs or disabilities to help them engage in activities successfully.
And she said staff did not provide toddlers with support to manage their behaviour at the nursery, which has 68 children aged under four on its roll.
The report said: “At times, toddlers push their friends and throw toys, which disrupts the group and unsettles some of the children. Staff often pick children up to diffuse the situation.
“Staff do not always use effective strategies to support these children to begin to understand the impact their actions may have on others.”
The inspector said staff were developing a well-planned curriculum, but did not consistently deliver the curriculum to give all children the same opportunities.
The report did say that parents felt their children love to attend and that they know what their children are learning while at nursery. They said staff are “friendly and attentive”.
The Ofsted report ordered Tippytoes to improve support and supervision for children who have delays in their development, including those with SEND, to ensure they receive the help they need to make good progress.
And it was told to improve behaviour management strategies, to “consistently help children understand the impact their actions may have on others”.
Company is ‘committed to addressing issues’ in report
Just Childcare operations director Liz Carroll said: “Although we are disappointed with the outcome of the inspection, we are committed to addressing the issues highlighted in the report.
“Ofsted recognised improvements in our nursery’s layout, creating a better environment for uninterrupted play and learning which were raised at the previous inspection.
“However, during the recent inspection, concerns regarding children with special educational needs came to light.
“We take these matters very seriously, and in response, an SEN specialist joined our team in September. This professional will collaborate with our Deputy Manager, who brings significant SEN experience with her after returning from maternity leave, ensuring comprehensive support for children with individual needs.
“We are also collaborating with the local authority, carrying out behaviour management training and enhancing support in the toddler room.
“Despite the overall rating, Ofsted praised our staff’s nurturing approach, safe environment, well-planned curriculum, and parental feedback. We anticipate positive results in the upcoming revisit.”