Helen Howes Private Day Nursery

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.

p.1

Summary of outcome

On 14 August 2026, the provider notified us about matters relating to safeguarding policies and procedures, whistleblowing, concerns about children's safety and welfare and supporting and understanding children's behaviour. 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 significant events.

p.1

Summary of outcome

On 2 September 2026, we carried out a regulatory visit. We found the provider was not meeting some of the requirements and had taken action to put this right. Leaders have reminded staff of their duties to report whistleblowing concerns more promptly, and a further staff meeting is planned to discuss the setting's whistleblowing policies and procedures in more detail.

p.1

Summary of outcome

During the regulatory visit on 2 September 2026, we found the provider was not meeting some of the other requirements. We have issued actions for the provider to take. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this.

p.1

Summary of outcome

n review and strengthen the safeguarding policy to ensure that procedures relating to concerns or allegations about adults who work with children are in line with local safeguarding children partnership guidance

p.1

Summary of outcome

n ensure that those with oversight for safeguarding receive further support and training, to strengthen their knowledge of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a safeguarding concern

p.1

Summary of outcome

Additionally, during the regulatory visit on 2 September 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. In relation to the new areas of concern, on 2 September 2026, we issued actions for the provider to take. The provider will be able to give parents further information about this. Actions needed by 25 September 2026:

p.1

Summary of outcome

n monitor the completion of risk assessment procedures, to ensure that environment checks are completed and any risks are promptly identified and removed or minimised

p.2

Summary of outcome

n ensure that all fire exits remain clear of obstruction at all times to ensure safe evacuation in an emergency

p.2

Summary of outcome

During the visit on 2 September 2026, we also found that the provider had failed to notify Ofsted of a significant event, which is a requirement of their registration. This has been discussed with the provider who now understands their duties to report such events.

p.2

Summary of outcome

On 9 September 2026, the provider responded to the actions set. We found that the provider had updated their safeguarding policies, to ensure that the procedures for managing allegations are clear and can be implemented appropriately. They have ensured that those with responsibility for safeguarding have taken steps to refresh their knowledge of the local safeguarding children partnership guidance. Leaders have ensured that risk assessment checklists and documents are more visible in the nursery, to ensure that checks are completed consistently. They have ensured that all fire exits are clear and have reminded staff of their responsibilities to ensure that they remain accessible at all times.

p.2

Summary of outcome

We are satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised. The provider is still registered with Ofsted.

p.2

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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 .

p.2