Inspectors have raised concerns about the cleanliness of a Moray nursery – as well as an unsecure entry gate.
The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced visit to Aberlour Primary Nursery School in June, and have now ordered the council carries out improvements.
While staff were praised for their care and teaching of the children, the nursery setting raised some concerns.
The inspectors said “significant” improvements needed to be made to help improve the safety and wellbeing of the children, and gave the setting an overall “weak” rating.
Notably, the entrance gate to the nursery was secured by a bungee cord which could be easily removed.
The report was published just a week after Aberdeen mum Kayleigh Kilpatrick’s son River escaped from his nursery and walked down a busy road, nearly being hit by a bus. The three-year-old was brought home to her by a stranger, and Miss Kilpatrick is now pushing for better security at the nursery.
Dirty play areas
The Care Inspectorate report states the Aberlour playroom was “uninviting” for play and learning, highlighting the dirty and peeling paintwork and walls which made the room “tired”.
Further, the heaters in the entrance area and children’s toilets were covered in layers of dirt.
Floor play was described as an “unpleasant experience” for children as the floor and rugs were dirty, while there was no access to a quiet area for uninterrupted rest or sleep.
The inspectors discovered a mop and bucket, as well as a bin filled with used paper towels, in the toilet cubicle which was accessible to the children.
They also noted there was not an “appropriate” number of toilet facilities and the temporary toilets used by staff were “not clean and well maintained”.
The report states: “Whilst we identified some strengths, these were compromised by significant weaknesses.
“There were a number of issues in relation to the cleanliness which impacted on appropriate infection prevention and control measures in many of the areas accessed by children.”
Deep clean required
The nursery was issued with requirements for improvements to complete, which a Moray Council spokesman said many have already been “actioned and met”.
The requirements included a deep clean of the building and facilities, ensuring the appropriate number of toilets and sinks are available to children and making sure the entrance gate is safe and secure.
All issues were highlighted to the manager who advised improvements would be made.
A spokesman for Moray Council confirmed a number of requirements have since been “actioned and met”.
He said: “The safety, education and wellbeing of our children and young people remains our utmost priority.
“Since the inspection earlier in the year, central education staff have provided support to the experienced team at Aberlour Nursery, and many of the requirements within the report have already been actioned and met.
“This includes a deep clean of the premises, the securing of the fence and the ordering of a new cosy corner.
“We are pleased that the inspector noticed that children’s health, wellbeing, development and learning were supported by warm, nurturing and caring staff interactions. The team were also praised for their ability to enhance children’s learning through thoughtful and open-ended interventions.
“Plans for a major refurbishment of the existing nursery space are under way and more details will be available in due course.”
Conversation