An Inverurie nursery has been rated ‘weak’ by inspectors after they found children to be “distressed” and “disinterested” at times.
Kellands School Nursery on Upper Manse Road was given four ‘weak’ ratings by the Care Inspectorate.
The watchdog for care services uses a six-point scale for its evaluations with six being excellent – a weak evaluation is two.
The nursery was given the rating for its care, play and learning, setting, leadership and staff team.
Two inspectors carried out an unannounced visit to the facility which is operated by Aberdeenshire Council in September.
The nursery is run from an annex within Kellands Primary School.
During their time there they spoke to children, parents and members of staff.
Staff unable to support ‘distressed’ children
Inspectors noted that staff numbers were “insufficient” and plans for children’s care were “not used effectively”.
They found that staff did not always “appropriately and sensitively” meet the needs of children.
While some youngsters were found to be “distressed” and “disinterested” and staff were unable to support them.
Meanwhile, inspectors said that lunch and snack times were “not a positive experience” for most children.
The lunch area was found to be noisy and busy with staff unable to supervise the youngsters properly.
Children with dietary requirements were also not given the proper care and attention and there were occasions when they weren’t given the correct portions of food.
Youngsters at risk of infection
Inspectors said that the nursery missed opportunities to extend children’s learning experiences as some youngsters were seen to be wandering around with little interaction from staff.
They reported that personal protective equipment and soiled clothing were not stored appropriately while nappy changing areas were “disorganised”.
Inspectors claimed that this could put children at risk of infection.
Worryingly, inspectors also said that security arrangements were “not well considered” and there was potential for children to walk out of the nursery unnoticed.
They also found gaps in the outdoor fencing where youngsters could escape.
Improvements to be made
Parents had shared their concerns with inspectors about staffing changes and poor communication.
While staff themselves said they had limited “quality” time to sit and play with youngsters.
They also recognised that the care, support and interactions they had could all be improved.
The Care Inspectorate has made a number of requirements and improvements for the nursery to make.
These include updating children’s personal plans and, within a fortnight, ensuring the nursery is kept clean and safe.
Kellands team ‘committed’ to making positive changes
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said work has already started to address issues raised in the report.
They explained: “Kellands Primary School Early Learning and Childcare setting is committed to driving forward the improvements required following the recent Care Inspectorate inspection.
“Early Years staff and senior management in school are working in partnership with the Aberdeenshire Central Early Years Team and other Early Years professionals from other settings in the local authority.
“This is part of an intensive package of support which was put in place the day after the inspection to address the key priorities.
“The Kellands team will continue to drive forward positive changes so that they can demonstrate on the Care Inspectorate return, that they are meeting the needs of every child and supporting them to achieve their best outcomes.”
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