A nursery in Bolton has been criticised by Ofsted inspectors for safeguarding measures after pre-school children were ‘left to their devices’ and allowed to watch films and play games on ‘unchecked’ tablets.
Horwich Day Nursery, on Church Lane in Horwich, was given an ‘inadequate’ rating by Ofsted following an inspection in February this year. Inspectors found that older children at the nursery ‘did not receive the same quality learning experiences’ as younger children.
Inspectors also found that pre-school children received ‘no planned activities or opportunities to play’, while babies at the nursery were met with a ‘well-thought-out’ curriculum featuring sensory play. Inspectors found that the quality of service at the nursery was not consistent, while older children had ‘little meaningful interaction’ with their peers.
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The report highlighted how older children at the nursery were ‘consumed with technology’, and often found lounging on sofas while repeatedly watching films on the television. “Pre-school children are met with an empty room with nothing to entice their interests,” the report noted, highlighting how they would play games on each other’s tablets.
These devices, often brought in from home, were ‘unchecked’ and posed safeguarding concerns. The inspection detailed: “As these devices are unchecked by staff, they cannot ascertain whether they are suitable for children to use. This compromises children's safety.”
The report highlighted ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are not effective’, pointing out how children have access to potentially unsafe and unsuitable content when using devices in the nursery.
There were also concerns that the premises were not risk-assessed effectively, with an outdoor area easily accessible. It highlighted that management did not follow through with safeguarding procedures, including alerting the correct agencies when allegations are made against members of staff. This, the report said, meant that children were ‘not adequately protected from potential harm’.
The report also highlighted that learning and support for pre-schoolers was not as well-thought-out as it could be, noting: “Staff do not consider children's next steps in learning or support these development goals through well-thought-out activities. This reflects in preschool children's behaviour. They appear subdued and bored.
"In contrast, babies coo at their key person and giggle as they roll sensory balls back and forth. Toddlers explore their environment, keen to play with their friends.”
It added: "While much thought is put into the curriculum in the younger section of the nursery, pre-school children are left to their own devices. During the inspection, the holiday club was running. The management team made the decision to remove pre-school resources and place emphasis on the needs of the older children. As a result, pre-school children spend hours watching films.
“They do not engage in purposeful play. Pre-school children cannot access books, toys or learning materials for the majority of the day. They receive a lower standard experience than others in the nursery. This does not support their ongoing development or begin to prepare them for school.”
The report highlighted that children often enjoyed being able to play outside, while meals were nutritious and filling. Children were encouraged to watch their hands regularly and parents spoke highly of the nursery service.
Following the report, Horwich Day Nursery were required to make a number of improvements. The service must make sure policies and procedures, particularly relating to safeguarding, are effectively implemented and ensure there is a thorough understanding of safeguarding measures.
Staff must also ensure devices used are appropriately safeguarded, all children should receive a ‘balanced, well-thought-out curriculum’, and risk assessments should be thorough and implemented effectively.
Horwich Day Nursery have been approached for comment.
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