Nursery told it ‘should do better’ when it comes to children’s sleep times

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A nursery has been criticised by Ofsted after it reportedly had so little bedding that children ‘sleep in pushchairs’.

But both the nursery and parents have challenged the watchdog’s assessment.

Bright Stars Kids Daycare in Plumstead has been rated as ‘requires improvement’ in all areas in a report published on February 12.

The inspector said in their report that leaders had not addressed inconsistencies in day-to-day teaching at the nursery, despite understanding the overall intent of their curriculum.

They also said that sleeping arrangements at the provision were unsatisfactory, with children being uncomfortable and not able to stretch or turn.

The inspector said: “Leaders have not ensured that there are suitable sleeping facilities and arrangements in place. There is not enough bedding and beds available for children, and they sleep in pushchairs that limit their comfort and space.”

The report also criticised staff at the nursery for not making sure that younger children are given opportunities to develop physical skills. However, several parents of children at the nursery have challenged the claims made in the report.

Cliff Manning said: “Our children go to Bright Stars and we feel they are happy, thriving and safe. All the staff are professional and caring. Therefore, as parents we were surprised that Ofsted chose to give them this rating.”

Rosalind Wilks and Jonathan Jobling said they were thrilled with the care their eldest daughter had received at the nursery since she joined last summer. The couple said: “She is happy and thriving developmentally. Our two-month-old baby daughter is now on the waiting list for next year and we are content and safe in the knowledge that she will be in the best possible hands.”

John and Nursev Morris, directors of the nursery, said: “We do not believe the Ofsted report accurately reflects our nursery and it was very disappointing.

“Nevertheless, we implemented the requested changes immediately and look forward to our reinspection. We are happy to discuss any of the points raised in the report with any prospective parents/carers.”

Bright Stars Kids Daycare opened in 2021 and provides full day care to children aged between one and four years old. The nursery had 20 children on the roll at the time of the inspection, on December 6 last year.

Pictured top: St Mark’s Hall on Old Mill Road in Plumstead, where Bright Stars Kids Daycare is based. (Picture: Google Street View)