Children’s welfare ‘compromised’ at ‘sub-standard’ Bexley nursery

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A Bexley nursery has been given the worst possible rating by Ofsted after children’s safety was found to be ‘compromised’.

Dot’s Tots Day Nursery, based at Rising Stars Day Care, Thamesmead, has been rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted, with the personal development of children and management of the nursery being criticised.

The inspector claimed staff at the nursery, in Templar Drive, did not consistently implement the space’s safeguarding policy to support children’s welfare. They said that weaknesses in such arrangements meant that children’s safety could not be assured.

The report said: “The provider does not have a clear understanding of what their responsibilities are. Arrangements for safeguarding are weak and therefore children’s safety is compromised.”

Children’s learning was said to not be supported effectively, with some new staff not having been inducted fully on the curriculum. The inspector claimed children often became disengaged and lost focus as learning experiences were not sufficiently challenging.

The report said: “The lack of effective planning of some activities means that some children easily become bored and their engagement is not sustained.”

The nursery was at least praised for staff building secure relationships with children, responding to them promptly when they are upset and comforting them.

The inspector said in their report: “Children demonstrate that they feel happy and content in the nursery. Some staff support children’s language development well.”

The nursery reportedly has 40 children on the roll and provides care for individuals up to age four. Dot’s Tots Day Nursery was approached but declined the opportunity to provide a statement.

Pictured top: Dot’s Tots Day Nursery in Templar Drive (Picture: Google Street View)