Concerns about safeguarding at Croft Day Nursery in Bexleyheath have led to urgent actions being instructed by Ofsted.
Following multiple complaints in November 2024, Ofsted conducted visits on November 22, December 2, and December 9.
A telephone call was also made on December 10.
During these visits, inspectors found that the nursery was not meeting the necessary requirements set out in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The concerns raised included issues with safeguarding policies and procedures, staff suitability, training, and the safety of the premises and equipment.
The nursery, located at Upton Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8LQ, provides care and education for young children.
Immediate actions were required by December 13, 2024.
These include ensuring that all staff, especially the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), understand and implement safeguarding policies, particularly regarding whistleblowing practices.
Additional actions were ordered to be completed by December 18, 2024.
Staff, including leaders, are required to identify concerns about children’s safety and welfare and take prompt action.
They must also have effective supervision arrangements to meet children’s needs, manage behaviour appropriately, and ensure safe sleeping arrangements.
Further actions are required by January 9, 2025.
These include improving safer recruitment processes, ensuring ongoing staff suitability, and maintaining accurate records.
Staff must also ensure that key-person arrangements meet children’s emotional and developmental needs and implement effective procedures for investigating complaints.
A spokesperson for The Croft Day Nursery said: “While we are confident that our procedures are robust, it is of the utmost importance to us that our staff understand our procedures.
“We have completed all actions required of us to date, and we are on schedule to complete all actions required by the new year.
“We will continue to liaise closely with Ofsted throughout and welcome their review of our progress.”
Ofsted publishes details of compliance actions for five years to ensure transparency and the welfare of children.
The nursery remains registered with Ofsted, and the agency will monitor the provider’s response to confirm that the required actions are completed.
For further details, the Early Years Compliance Handbook is available on the Ofsted website.
The nursery has until the specified dates to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.