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Aberdeen nursery inspection found smelly nappy bin had not been emptied for ‘two to three’ weeks

Walker Road Nursery in Torry, Image: Google.
Walker Road Nursery in Torry, Image: Google.

Inspectors found a nappy bin that had not been emptied for “two to three” weeks at an Aberdeen nursery.

Officials from the Care Inspectorate made an unannounced visit to Walker Road School Nursery in Torry at the beginning of August.

Concerns have also been raised about security after a child left the garden unaccompanied while another was injured in an accident.

It is registered to provide care for 65 children and is operated by Aberdeen City Council.

It is located within a primary school and has an open-plan play area divided into two classes with toilet facilities on each side.

Inspectors gave the nursey a “weak” rating and their second lowest possible grading.

However, during a return visit on December 14, the watchdog found improvements were made by the service.

Aberdeen City Council confirmed this and explained the Care Inspectorate does not issue new gradings based on a return visit – which is why the service is still rated as “weak”.

Bin full of soiled nappies and wipes

The inspector found a soiled nappy bin that had not been emptied for “two to three” weeks.

It was “full of soiled nappies and wipes” and created an “infection hazard and an unpleasant smell”.

They also noted that staff made “no attempt to empty it” or to get in touch with the contractor to arrange for it to be removed.

Nursery class rooms after being renovated in 2008. Image: Donna Murray.

The inspector had to intervene and ask for the bin to be emptied and cleaned immediately.

Children were also found to be not well supervised when washing their hands, particularly before and after lunch.

What rating did the nursery get?

The Care Inspectorate gives out ratings on a one-to-six scale. There is no zero rating available. Inspectors gave the nursery the following rating:

  • Care, play and learning: Weak – 2/6
  • Setting: Weak – 2/6
  • Leadership: Weak – 2/6
  • Staff team: Weak – 2/6

Child leaves nursery unaccompanied

There were serious incidents at the nursery recently which involved a child leaving the nursery garden unaccompanied and another child being injured in an accident.

Parents had been informed and actions were taken such as the removal of unsecure furniture and locks on all gates.

However, due to waiting on contractors, some changes had still not been made.

The entrance to the nursery in 2008. Image: Donna Murray.

For instance, nails were found to be sticking out of old planters outdoors and child safety locks have not been placed on kitchen drawers.

Some parents said they did not feel reassured about the preventative measures that had been taken.

Staff lack skill to support additional needs

In their report, the inspector also noted some staff did not have the skills to support children with additional needs while others were not confident.

They found that sometimes the strategies used to support the children escalated the behaviour and the distress of the child involved.

It was found children’s wellbeing and safety was compromised.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the findings by the Care Inspectorate and are working with the staff team to ensure all areas for improvement are fully addressed.”

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