Nursery criticised over nappy hygiene and education

Nursery manager Darren Jesson said he and his staff were "extremely disappointed" with the findings

A nursery has been told it needs to improve after inspectors criticised staff for not washing their hands after changing nappies.

Ofsted found that Shine Bright Nursery in Westlea, Swindon, required improvement in most areas, including the quality of education, after a visit on 6 March.

There were no concerns around safeguarding, with inspectors noting arrangements were "effective" and that there was a positive culture that "puts children's interests first".

Nursery manager Darren Jesson said he and his staff were "extremely disappointed" with the findings but have taken the recommendations on board.

"We're very proud of what we offer the children of West Swindon and we're very grateful to the parents who think that too," said Mr Jesson.

Previously called Shaw Ridge Pre School, the nursery which later moved to Welton Road, employs about 52 members of staff and has around 400 children on its roll.

It also provides afterschool clubs for some local schools in the area.

Hygiene and education criticised

The report, published on 8 May, said while staff support children to wash their hands before eating, they themselves "do not always hygienically clean changing areas or ensure their hands are clean after changing nappies."

Mr Jesson said the comment around hygiene related to some staff using anti-bacterial gel rather than soap and water.

"We've taken that on board and fundamentally we have the facility to handwash on every nappy station," he said.

The curriculum was also questioned, with inspectors saying while the staff have worked together to devise it, it was not organised in a way that builds on what children already know.

Inspectors added that while the nursery provides children with healthy and well-balanced meals, the organisation of mealtimes means some children "struggle to reach their food" and cutlery and "eat with their hands as a result".

'Very confident'

Mr Jesson said seeing the result of the preliminary report was a "bit of a shock to the system", especially after previously receiving outstanding reports.

But he added they have listened to the feedback and are "very confident" inspectors will see improvement on their next visit.

"We're very much about making the children feel safe, happy and content," he said.

"It's all about putting the children first."