Children attending a Wembley nursery were not being adequately protected from harm because safeguarding standards fell short of requirements, according to an Ofsted inspection.
Inspectors found urgent improvements were needed at Canopy Children’s Nursery in Walters Walk after concluding that children did not experience “a consistently purposeful or safe environment”.
The nursery, in Wembley Park, cares for up to 76 children aged from birth to four years old. Following an inspection in April, Ofsted criticised the leadership team for failing to create “an open and positive culture” around safeguarding and said systems in place did not adequately protect children.
Although inspectors found staff were committed to supporting children, they said many were unfamiliar with safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures. The report also raised concerns about behaviour management.
Inspectors said ineffective routines and low expectations meant children struggled to develop respect for one another and regulate their behaviour. Staff were not always equipped to challenge inappropriate behaviour or reinforce expectations consistently.
One example cited in the report involved young children running indoors while staff failed to intervene effectively. Inspectors also found babies were sometimes left waiting too long during routines such as lunchtime and nap time, causing them to become unsettled.
Children with additional needs were also not consistently supported because staff were not always given up-to-date information about their individual requirements.
The watchdog further criticised leaders for weaknesses in risk management.
Although safety checklists were completed, inspectors said staff did not always identify or remove potential hazards quickly enough and failed to remain sufficiently vigilant in supervising children.
The report concluded: “Leaders have failed to ensure the requirements of the early years foundation stage are met. They continue to not meet requirements relating to children’s safety, wellbeing and learning.”
Despite the concerns, inspectors also identified positive aspects of the nursery.
Children were provided with freshly prepared meals and snacks, made regular use of the outdoor play area, and staff were found to have warm relationships with children. Parents also told inspectors their children enjoyed attending the nursery.
Responding to the findings, Canopy Children’s Nursery said safeguarding and children’s welfare remained its highest priority.
The provider said it immediately introduced a comprehensive improvement plan following the inspection, including enhanced safeguarding training, stronger staff supervision, improved risk assessments and additional support for children with special educational needs.
The nursery also temporarily closed for a week so staff could complete intensive training.
A spokesperson said every action identified in Ofsted’s Welfare Requirements Notice had since been completed and signed off following a subsequent visit from a regulatory inspector.
They added: “Whilst we fully accept the concerns identified during the inspection in April, it is important to recognise that significant progress has been made since that time.
“Our next inspection is expected shortly, and we believe the substantial improvements made over recent months place the nursery in a strong position.”
