Wembley nursery staff left unchecked, Ofsted finds

Serious safety failures have been identified at Blossom Patch Nursery in Wembley, where staff were found to be working without adequate checks, potentially placing children at risk. An inspection by the education watchdog Ofsted revealed that safeguarding practices at the provider, which cares for 63 children aged one to four, remain a concern.

Concerns over staff suitability and child development

Ofsted's report, following an inspection on 2 July, stated that leaders had not ensured all staff were suitable to work with children. This lack of proper vetting means staff may be working unsupervised with children, including during intimate care routines, which inspectors found significantly compromises child safety and wellbeing. The report also highlighted weaknesses in leadership and the curriculum, leading to children not making sufficient progress in their development. Children, including those with special needs or disabilities, are not being adequately supported to reach their full potential, and preparation for their next stage of learning is limited due to a lack of oversight in curriculum planning and teaching adaptation.

Inspectors noted that while children generally behave well, their behaviour is not consistently managed appropriately. Staff are described as not being skilled enough to correctly support children's needs, such as during sleep times or group activities. Furthermore, inconsistencies in the nursery's approach to attendance mean that the whereabouts of children are not always known, posing a safeguarding concern.

Regulatory visit confirms ongoing safeguarding issues

Following the initial inspection, Ofsted conducted a regulatory visit on 27 July to assess whether the nursery had met specific welfare actions. These included ensuring all staff were suitable, that care was tailored to individual needs, and that behaviour management and special educational needs support were effective. While some actions were met, Ofsted found that safeguarding policies and procedures, though redistributed, left staff and leaders unclear on how to handle allegations. Consequently, safeguarding practices continue to be a concern.

Parents are reported to speak positively about the nursery and the information they receive regarding their child's progress, expressing confidence in addressing concerns. Leaders also arrange regular opportunities for parents to visit the setting.

Council response to Ofsted findings

A spokesperson for Brent Council confirmed awareness of Ofsted's findings. While Blossom Patch Nursery is an independent provider responsible for responding to the report, the council stated it takes the quality and safety of early years provision in Brent seriously. The council will review the findings and continue to work with childcare providers to support high-quality early education and care for local children and families.