Sunhill Early Learning Stowmarket

Summary of outcome

All early years providers must meet the legal requirements in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, which you can find at www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2. If we find that a provider is not meeting the requirements, we can take action to ensure they put matters right.

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Summary of outcome

On 21 January 2026 and 27 February 2026, the provider notified us about two separate matters relating to staff: child ratios. The notification means that the provider met their legal responsibility as set out in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage to notify Ofsted of any significant event that is likely to affect their suitability to look after children.

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Summary of outcome

On 3 March 2026 and 16 March 2026, we received concerns that the provider was not meeting requirements relating to safeguarding policies and procedures, whistleblowing, concerns about children's safety and welfare, suitable people, supervision of staff, key person, staff: child ratios, health, special educational needs, safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment, information and record keeping and other legal duties.

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Summary of outcome

On 14 May 2026, we carried out a regulatory visit without notice. We found the provider was not meeting some of the requirements and had taken action to put this right. The provider has reviewed the arrangements to ensure children are supervised appropriately. They have introduced more frequent headcounts and record when children move between activities and rooms. Staff have completed training in the new procedures and leaders are monitoring to ensure these are followed effectively. This means that children's safety is no longer compromised. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this.

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Summary of outcome

Additionally, during the regulatory visit on 14 May 2026, we found new areas of concern. This means that the provider was not meeting other requirements as set out in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage.

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Summary of outcome

In relation to the new areas of concern, on 20 May 2026, we issued an action for the provider to take.

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Summary of outcome

n ensure staff consistently fulfil their roles and responsibilities to minimise risks and keep children safe.

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Summary of outcome

On 29 May 2026, the provider responded to the action set. We found that the provider had provided coaching for the staff to help improve their vigilance in supervising children and identifying and managing risks to children's safety. We are satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised. The provider is still registered with Ofsted.

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Publication of compliance action

We aim to ensure that the welfare of children and young people is protected in the services we regulate. The Childcare Act 2006 and accompanying regulations set out our responsibilities to regulate childminders and childcare providers. This includes the enforcement powers we have in relation to those registered providers who do not comply with the requirements for registration.

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Publication of compliance action

We publish details of any actions we take, or the childminder or childcare provider takes to bring about compliance with requirements on our website for a period of five years.

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Publication of compliance action

For further information please read the Early years compliance handbook which can be found here at www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-provider-non-compliance- action-by-ofsted .

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