Lilliput Lodge Children's Day Nursery: Failing nursery rated 'inadequate' in Ofsted inspection
A day nursery previously rated outstanding is now inadequate according to Ofsted, after concerns were raised about the welfare of children.
Lilliput Lodge Children's Day Nursery in Smethwick has suffered a dramatic reversal of fortunes three years after being awarded the top rating.
Ineffective safeguarding, quality of teaching and a weakness in leadership and management were all highlighted by the education watchdog following their inspection in September this year.
Officials say that by the end of the month the nursery must 'take all reasonable steps' to improve further.
The report states: "The arrangements for safeguarding are ineffective.
"Recruitment and selection processes are not robust for some staff to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.
"The manager does not fully assess or address potential risks to children; this specifically relates to the poor condition of the wall in the children's toilet.
"Most staff are qualified; however, their knowledge does not reflect in their teaching practice."
In the four categories they were accessed in, the Thimblemill Road nursery was rated inadequate in effectiveness of the leadership and management and also in personal development, behaviour and welfare.
They were ranked as requiring improvement in quality of teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for children.
The report continues: "Weakness in teaching means that children do not always receive the support they need to make the best possible progress.
"Some staff do not consistently follow the nursery's behaviour management procedures.
"They do not always manage children's behaviour appropriately or support children to learn to manage this themselves."
Jennie Pallett, manager of the nursery, said: "We are currently in discussions with Ofsted to move forward."
By October 31 Lilliput Lodge must make sure that the process for the 'selection and recruitment of all staff members is robust, risk assessments are used effectively to identify hazards and take all reasonable steps to minimise or remove them'.
However, inspectors did note some strengths from their visit.
Children were said to have daily opportunities for fresh air and exploring the outdoors, supporting their physical development.
Staff were praised for their positive partnerships with parents and were said to be 'friendly and approachable'. They also were said to promote children's independence skills well.
In 2014 the nursery, which serves 55 children, was praised for its 'outstanding and inspirational' teaching.
