The Cambridgeshire nursery where Ofsted claims ‘children become upset during mealtimes’

They are also meeting the expecting standard in a number of areas

A nursery has implemented strategies and training after Ofsted raised concerns about how staff support children’s behaviour. The education watchdog carried out an inspection at the Jigsaw Nursery in Huntington on July 15.

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

Inspectors raised concerns about how staff support children’s behaviour. The report said: “There are occasional inconsistencies in how staff support children’s behaviour. Leaders do not always ensure that staff use effective approaches to understand and respond to children’s needs, which can result in children becoming distressed, particularly during transitions.

“For example, some children become upset during mealtimes, and staff do not consistently support them to understand what is happening next, which affects their understanding of daily routines and why these are important. At times, staff use physical intervention to prompt children to prepare for mealtimes, such as lifting them without warning.

“This can cause children to become unsettled and does not support them to develop an understanding of expectations or promote positive behaviour.”

For leadership and governance, inspectors said leaders “do not demonstrate a secure understanding of the importance of providing ongoing professional development opportunities for staff”. The report added: “For example, there is a limited focus on targeted training to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas.

“As a result, staff are not consistently supported to develop their knowledge and understanding in certain areas. This leads to inconsistencies in the quality of staff and child interactions, and the support that children receive, having an overall impact on their development and wellbeing. Consequently, children’s emotional needs are not consistently met, which impacts their sense of security and wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for Jigsaw Nursery, said they are “very proud” of their team for their “dedication and hard work in achieving this outcome”. They added: “We understand the feedback and next steps provided, and have already implemented strategies and training in guidance with the OFSTED outcomes. We want to say a huge Thank you to all of our families at Jigsaw Nursery, for their amazing support and the trust they have in us.”

During the inspection, inspectors said children show curiosity when exploring their environment. The report said: “They enjoy the play opportunities that are given to them and typically play well alongside each other. Older children enjoy playing together in small groups and engaging in conversations while doing so.”

When reviewing what it’s like to be a child at this nursery, inspectors said: “Children arrive at a friendly and welcoming setting, where most settle in well. Children who attend the setting form secure relationships from the start. Babies and young children form close bonds with staff, and often seek reassurance from them, helping them to feel confident and secure to express themselves.

“Older children are happy and enjoy exploring their environment while playing collaboratively together.” At the time of the inspection, the age range of children was between one and four-years-old, with a total of 36 places.