Safety fears at playgroup

Failings have been found at a village playgroup where youngsters could potentially access broken light fittings and glass bottles.

North Muskham Playgroup, which operates in the village hall and at the primary school, has 31 children on roll.

It was judged by Ofsted to provide inadequate quality and standards of care, and has been told to improve.

Inspectors found that the children, aged 21/2 to five, could not move around safely, and that positive steps were not taken to minimise risks to children, such as placing covers in all electrical sockets.

Unlocked doors provided access to store cupboards stacked with chairs or changing rooms containing broken light fittings or glass bottles.

The inspector also said: “There is no clear procedure in the event of allegations against a member of staff and the designated person is unaware of the various agencies to report to, potentially leaving children at risk in the event of such concerns.”

Children were kept safe from fire and were given safe, suitable appropriate toys.

Staff had knowledge and understanding of the foundation stage in education, covering six areas of learning, and children were observed and their capabilities were recorded is assessment files.

But planning of activities did not link the assessment files to maximise progress.

The children had a sense of belonging, and concentrated well when working in small or large groups, and alone.

The report said: “Children are generally well behaved, cooperative and know what is expected of them, for example, they sit nicely at snack times and show good manners as they say ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’.”

Children were interested in numbers and most could count to ten.

Staff were criticised for using inappropriate methods of managing unwanted behaviour and not encouraging the children to manage their own behaviour.

Organisation was also found to be inadequate.

The report said: “Children and staff registers are in place. However these are not accurately completed to show the actual times of children’s arrivals or departures.”

The chairman of the playgroup committee, Mrs Jude Andrews, said they were not happy with the report and had complained to Ofsted.

She said: “The report is very badly phrased and some of it is misleading. The things they have picked up on have already been dealt with.”

Mrs Andrews said the children were safe at the playgroup, and a meeting was being held so parents could discuss any issues.