1 week Ago By [email protected] (Millie Bowles)
A nursery has been rated ‘Inadequate’ after Ofsted inspectors discovered staff were giving children medicine without the “required written permissions” from parents. Sunshine and Showers in St Mary’s Bay, Romney Marsh, was given the lowest grading possible after being visited by the government watchdog last month. Despite recognising that toddlers and babies are “generally happy”, enjoy the setting and have warm relationships with staff, serious safeguarding and welfare issues were flagged.
Following the report, the nursery’s manager told KentOnline she and her team are working to improve in all areas, and their goal is to ensure the best outcomes for the youngsters in their care. The report, published on April 10, highlighted several weaknesses, stating: “The arrangements to understand and manage children's health needs are not fully effective. “Staff do not gather sufficient information about all the medications they administer and do not obtain the required written permissions from parents.
“This does not adequately promote children's health, safety and well-being. “All staff complete training, which enables them to identify signs and symptoms that could indicate a child is at risk of abuse, and there are appropriate policies to refer any concerns that arise. “However, the weaknesses in relation to understanding health needs and administering medication mean that staff are unable to fully ensure that they are safeguarding children.
” The inspectors found issues with the workload put on management, adding: “Staff do not receive enough support to fully understand how to implement a successful curriculum.” Failings in the provision for SEN youngsters were also found, as there was not a thorough understanding of strategies to make sure these children do not have gaps in their learning or development. Despite the ‘Inadequate’ rating, Ofsted noted some positive aspects, while highlighting how these can be developed.
The report continues: “The provider has a clear vision for children to enjoy their time at the setting and to engage in a range of experiences. “However, the early years curriculum lacks ambition. “Staff do not know how to use their knowledge of the children to plan effectively for their next steps.
” Sunshine and Showers staff were also praised for their work with the eldest children and providing comfort to the youngest. “Staff place a successful focus on supporting older children to develop their communication and language, and their understanding of the world,” inspectors said. “For example, they introduce new and interesting vocabulary.
“They have warm relationships with babies and offer them regular cuddles to reassure them. “They often sing to them and read stories. However, they rely on using comforters, such as dummies and blankets, to provide emotional support for them.
” Nursery manager Jessica Vincer told KentOnline: “As you can imagine, this has upset me and our whole team greatly as we strive to provide the utmost care for the children and families who attend our setting. “We understand now what we need to do to improve in all areas outlined in the report, and are working as a team with the local authority to effectively and efficiently reflect and grow as a whole to improve our outcomes for the children who attend. “Our goal is to ensure we provide the best care for the children and we are very much looking forward to ensuring that when Ofsted revisit us within six months we have improved in all aspects and are continuing to safeguard and nurture the children in our care to the highest level.
” Sunshine and Showers was rated ‘Inadequate’ overall and across all four categories; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. At its last inspection in 2019, it was marked as ‘Good’. The nursery has been running since 1998 and has a sister site in Dymchurch.
It has spaces for 30 children aged one to four, with 45 on roll..
