Blackpool nursery in dispute with watchdog

A children's nursery in Blackpool has been branded '˜inadequate' by Ofsted.
Safehands Green Start Nursery, based at Bloomfield Road in Seasiders WaySafehands Green Start Nursery, based at Bloomfield Road in Seasiders Way
Safehands Green Start Nursery, based at Bloomfield Road in Seasiders Way
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Nursery on the up after three visits

Safehands Green Start Nursery, based at Bloomfield Road in Seasiders Way, was given the education watchdog’s worst rating after previously being ranked as ‘good’.

But managing director Paul Manning said Ofsted’s findings were being challenged because ‘we believe some elements were incorrect.’

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He added: “All actions and recommendations ... have been completed. We are just waiting for our re-inspection and response to our challenge on the report.”

In the report, published after her visit, inspector Joanne Parrington said the emotional needs of babies were not being met, which left them ‘crying for long periods of time’ while she said nursery staff ‘persistently try to make them sleep’.

“Teaching and interactions are inconsistent and at times are poor, particularly in the baby room and the upper two to three years room,” she said.

The nursery, which the report said has 126 youngsters aged up to four on its roll, was rated ‘inadequate’ in all four key areas inspected.

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The only strength listed by Ms Parrington was the proactiveness of the managers when dealing with emergencies, her report showed. “This helps keep children safe,” she said.

But staff were not keeping consistent records of children’s progress, were not supporting their health and hygiene well enough, or helping those whose who speak English as a second language, the inspector found.

She added: “Futhermore, staff do not recognise when babies are active and have a desire to play and persistently try to make them lie down and go to sleep. This causes further distress and upset.”

Ofsted said the nursery remains inadequate, and will re-inspected within six months.

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