Setting

Summary of complaint

On 08 March 2011, we received a complaint that raised concerns regarding parents not being informed of accidents or injuries sustained by their children whilst in the care of the nursery. We needed to investigate the concerns to see whether the provider was meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements relating to 'safeguarding and promoting children's welfare' and ‘suitable premises, environment and equipment.' In particular, these include requirements that state providers must notify Ofsted of any significant events and of serious accident illness or injury of any child whilst in their care, and of the action taken in respect of it; providers must promote the good health of the children, take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, and take appropriate action when they are ill, which includes notifying parents and asking them to sign the accident record book; outdoor and indoor spaces, furniture, equipment and toys must be safe and suitable

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Summary of complaint

for their purpose; The provider must conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly, at least once per year or more frequently where the need arises.

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Summary of complaint

We do not investigate to prove or disprove a complaint but we check the information to see if the childcare provider is meeting all legal requirements. We carried out an unannounced visit to the premises and discovered that clear accident procedures were in place and on most occasions followed, however, on this occasion the parents were verbally informed but a series of unfortunate incidents led to the records not being signed. The procedure is to notify the Hospital Trust of any major injuries and this was done, however, the information was not passed to Ofsted by the Trust. The manager stated she will now take responsibility to notify Ofsted of any future major incidents. Observation of the entire nursery showed they were meeting all the requirements regarding the safety of children and all documentation regarding risk assessments was scrutinised and risks identified together with action taken. This includes action to add safety guards to doors to prevent no

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Summary of complaint

further similar incidents happen. The provider has committed an offence by failing to notify Ofsted of any serious accident or injury whilst children are in their care. This is a specific legal requirement in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. The provider and manager have now supplied us with full details of how they will meet the specific legal requirements and Ofsted does not intend to prosecute on this occasion.

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Summary of complaint

Although it was not part of the original complaint, we also identified that, although staff carry out visual risk assessments before children are taken out on trips, records of risk assessments, which is a specific legal requirement of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation stage, are not maintained to fully safeguard children. As a result, an action has been set regarding carrying out a risk assessment for each type of outing.

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Summary of complaint

The provider was found to be meeting the legal requirements relating to the complaint and no further action will be taken. However, we issued a notice to improve that asks the provider to carry out a risk assessment for each type of outing and review it before embarking on each specific outing (The Early Years Foundation Stage General Welfare requirements – Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

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Summary of complaint

We have received a response from the provider confirming that they have completed the actions. We are satisfied that the provider has taken the appropriate steps. The provider remains registered with Ofsted.

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Publication of complaints

We publish details of complaints made against childminders, home childcarers and childcare providers where we or the provider have taken action in order to meet legal requirements.

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Publication of complaints

We publish details of complaints for five years commencing on the date we complete our investigation.

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Publication of complaints

For further information about the complaints process please view the Concerns and complaints about childminders and childcare providers leaflet (Reference no. 080120)

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