The reason behind Ofsted’s closure of a nursery in Chippenham have been revealed.
Inspectors visited New Road Nursery on Wednesday (2 July) and decided to suspended the provision’s registration over serious concerns about the risk of harm to children.
Ofsted told Wiltshire 999s that it couldn’t provide specific details about its decision – but said it was necessary to launch an investigation into their initial findings.
Since the publication of an article about the suspension, numerous parents have provided a copy of a letter that was sent out earlier this week.
According to New Road Nursery, two incidents involving injured children left Ofsted inspectors concerned – sparking the forced closured of the setting as they delved deeper into the circumstances.
The letter reads: “There were 2 issues that led to the decision to temporarily suspend us.
“Firstly, a child bumped their head in our playground a week or so ago. Initially, we applied standard first aid and the child seemed fine.
“A little later, the child showed further symptoms that might have implied that they were concussed – we then rang parents, explained the situation and advised them to pick their child up and take them to casualty which happened immediately.
“Fortunately, the child had a clean bill of health following their hospital check-up.
“Ofsted believe we should have called an ambulance (we did not as we knew parents were on their way) and that we should have reported the incident to Ofsted.
“We had intended to report it and we still are in the timeframe to do so but the inspection came first.
Secondly, the inspector felt that one of children had an excessive number of pre-existing injury forms in their file and that they should have been referred to IFD [Integrated Front Door – Wiltshire Council’s child safeguarding team] for further investigation.
“We have been monitoring that child for some time and had in fact referred them previously and been told by IFD that there was no cause for concern. While we had continued this monitoring process, the inspector felt we should have referred again.
“Following the inspection, we have contacted IFD again and they feel there is no immediate concern.”
It has not been confirmed whether or not the reasons listed in the letter are the only reason for Ofsted’s decision to temporarily close the setting.
It said that the decision to suspend a provider’s registration is not taken lightly, and inspectors will use these powers “proportionally” and “with great care”.
Suspension gives the authorities time to investigate concerns, and enables the nursery to correct any issues before it can reopen.
Typically, suspensions last up to six weeks but can be extended to twelve weeks if more time is required to complete an investigation.
New Road Nursery must now take steps to address any risks. Ofsted has confirmed they will lift the suspension as soon as they are satisfied that children’s safety is no longer threatened.
Councillor Liz Alstrom said she contacted the Director of Children and Education at Wiltshire Council this morning after being alerted to the situation by MP Sarah Gibson’s office.
She requested an update on the temporary suspension of New Road Nursery by Ofsted on Wednesday.
A Wiltshire Council officer has visited the nursery today and will continue working with the setting to ensure the Welfare Requirement Notices issued are met, allowing the nursery to re-open as soon as possible.
A letter containing information about alternative childcare options has been prepared and will be sent to all families who use the service.
Wiltshire Council has confirmed that any child who moves to another childcare provider will be funded immediately to prevent any gap in childcare. Parents needing support in securing a place or with questions about funding can email [email protected].
