An Aberdeen nursery has been told to make improvements after inspectors identified issues around the safety of children.
Kirkhill School Nursey in Kincorth received four “weak” gradings from the Care Inspectorate following an unannounced visit in March.
Inspectors spent three days observing the daily practice of the nursery, reviewing documents and talking to staff, children and parents.
They found some children were going home hungry and put at risk due to poor recording of medication and a lack infection prevention measures.
A number of improvements have since been issued to the nursery regarding its care and learning services, as well as its setting, leadership and staff team.
The service, located in the grounds of Kirkhill Primary School, is run by Aberdeen City Council.
Children going home ‘hungry’
Inspectors found that some children who required support were not noticed by staff and therefore did not receive the care they needed.
Some staff members also used an “inappropriate” tone of voice when talking to the children.
The report states: “This meant some children were confused and upset, impacting on their confidence and self esteem.”
While most children experienced “positive” mealtimes, the report states some children returned home feeling hungry.
The inspectors witnessed youngsters who did not eat a lot while at nursery, as well as a “high amount” of food waste.
By May 15, the service must make sure all staff are “well informed” about the children in attendance and use this information to provide relevant care.
The nursery must also ensure “robust” safeguarding procedures are in place to protect children from harm.
Children ‘at risk of harm’
Inspectors said children “were not kept safe” by the nursery’s child protection and safeguarding measures.
It adds that staff appeared unaware of these procedures when the management team were not present.
The report states: “Chronologies, incident and accident records were in place but staff had not always made sure the manager was fully informed of any concerns.
“This meant children were at risk of harm and families were not always provided with the support needed.”
The inspectors also described the children’s opportunities for play and learning as “inconsistent”.
They noted children were confined to one room and witnessed “a few missed opportunities” for staff to stimulate their interests.
The drop-off and pick-up procedures in place “were not effective” in supporting children’s safety – and did not protect them from unknown adults entering the building.
The report adds: “Some parents told us it was difficult to find their child and their belongings and they did not receive feedback on their child’s day.”
Reducing infection risks
Inspectors found the way medication was stored increased the potential for incorrect dosages to be administered.
Information was “disorganised and difficult to find”, while some forms contained a mixture of old and current details.
The report states: “Some forms were unclear and contained information for different conditions. This meant children were not kept safe.”
It adds that the manager took immediate action to resolve this issue during the visit, and staff have been instructed to review all medication records.
The overall setting of the nursery was not found to be clean and safe by the inspectors, with staff failing to always follow infection prevention.
The report states: “The nappy changing tables and mats were not clean, staff belongings were stored in open lockers in the nappy changing rooms, and some items restricted the use of the sinks and were at risk of falling.
“Children’s clothes were stored in the toilets and drawers for storing aprons and gloves were dirty and contained used tissue.
“This increased the risk of infection through contamination. The kitchen wash hand basin could not be easily accessed when preparing food.”
Further, there was a broken sand and water tray with “jagged and sharp edges” which was considered dangerous.
Staff were instructed to “implement and sustain” infection prevention practices by April 24.
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “A robust action plan is in place to address the improvements identified in this report .
“The early years team and central officers will continue to work closely with the school to ensure continuous improvement.”
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