YMCA Fairthorne Manor: Nursery told to improve after safeguarding failings
A nursery was criticised by Ofsted for not keeping children clean, and for failures in safeguarding systems
A nursery has been ordered to make urgent improvements after inspectors found serious safeguarding failings.
Inspectors said leaders at YMCA Fairthorne Manor Nursery in Curbridge failed to ensure that there is an “open and positive culture” around safeguarding that protects children from harm.
The welfare of children also required urgent improvement, with some children not kept clean throughout the day. During the April 27 visit to the nursery, which is off the A3051, inspectors found that arrangements for managing unexplained injuries are insufficient.
Inspectors warned that these failings “undermine the safeguarding culture and do not ensure children are protected from harm”.
Fairthorne Manor Nursery told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Ofsted returned to the nursery on May 21, and confirmed the required safeguarding and welfare improvements had been completed and that it was satisfied the issues had been addressed.
The latest report regarding the visit in April said that staff did not always keep nappy changing areas and toilets clean, and some children were not kept clean throughout the day.
Leaders also failed to put effective security measures in place, meaning unauthorised people could access the building and potentially put children at risk.
Ofsted also criticised the leadership at the nursery, and said weaknesses in these areas “do not keep children safe”, adding that leaders do not respond to emerging concerns about children “in a timely way”.
However, the inspector praised the fact that staff support children to develop an interest in early literacy.
Staff were seen to read to the children “in a way that captures their attention” and are helping them “develop a love of stories”.
Leanne Murrey, manager at Fairthorne Manor Nursery, said: “The wellbeing, safety and development of every child in our care remains our absolute priority. While the April inspection identified areas where improvements were needed, we responded immediately.
“Our staff have shown tremendous commitment throughout this process, and I am incredibly proud of the effort they have invested.”
A spokesperson from the YMCA Fairthorne Group added that the team has “worked intensively” to make the required improvements.
They added that the nursery’s focus is “firmly on the future” and staff remain committed to ensuring every child receives “safe, nurturing and high-quality” early years care.