‘Risk of choking’ concerns at Cambridgeshire nursery after Ofsted inspection

Inspectors raised concerns about food preparation for children at the nursery – which has said it is ‘confident’ it can improve

A nursery is “confident” it can improve after Ofsted raised concerns about food preparation. Ofsted carried out an inspection at the Coton Day Nursery and Out of School Club in Whitwell Way, Coton, on June 12.

The nursery was rated as expected standard in four areas, which were: achievement; behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines; curriculum and teaching; and inclusion. However, Ofsted rated the nursery as needing attention in two areas: children’s welfare and wellbeing, and leadership and governance.

Inspectors raised concerns about how staff prepared food for children. The report said: “Staff do not always prepare foods for children in line with safer eating guidelines to help minimise the risk of choking.

“Leaders do not have consistent oversight of food preparation or ensure staff are confident to challenge how food is prepared.” Inspectors did praise staff for serving children healthy food and the fact that they spoke to the children about “making healthy choices”.

For leadership and governance, inspectors said leaders didn’t “consistently have sufficient oversight of the quality of practice across the setting”. The report added: “Although staff complete training, leaders do not oversee practice to ensure staff are following recommended guidelines about safer eating.

“There are occasions when food is not prepared in a way that effectively minimises the risk of choking. The lack of robust oversight means that children’s safety is not always fully assured during snack and mealtimes. There has been a high turnover of staff recently and leaders do not ensure all staff have the necessary skills to fulfil their role.”

A spokesperson for Family First, which oversees the nursery, said the “necessary improvements” are being made at the nursery.

They added: “Ofsted identified two areas requiring further development: children’s welfare and wellbeing and leadership and governance, including aspects of mealtime practice. However, under Ofsted’s new Early Years Toolkit, these are areas where leaders are considered likely to be able to secure the necessary improvements.

“We have already addressed the feedback received and are confident that the changes implemented will ensure best practice is consistently embedded.”

During the inspection, inspectors said children benefitted from a range of activities that supported physical development. The children also “develop positive attitudes to learning and increasing levels of engagement”.

Leaders were praised for creating a calm environment, and they “recognise and praise children’s achievements”. Under curriculum and teaching, leaders were praised for planning and implementing a curriculum that “supports children’s development across the areas of learning”.

Inspectors also identify children who may need additional support through ongoing observation and assessment. They added: “They are committed to ensuring that children and families receive the support they need to achieve positive outcomes.”

The Family First spokesperson added they were “pleased” the nursery has achieved expected standard in four areas. They said: “The inspection highlighted many strengths, including children’s achievement, behaviour and attitudes, curriculum and teaching, and inclusive practice.

“Inspectors recognised that children are happy, engaged, and developing confidence and independence in a nurturing environment, supported by strong relationships between staff and families.”