Nursery given inadequate rating over 'safety risks'

Gummy Bears said they did not believe the grade reflected the nursery

A nursery has been rated inadequate by an education watchdog after finding "tripping hazards", "safety risks" and "poor hygiene practice".

Gummy Bears nursery in Ashton, Tameside, was given the rating for its quality of education, behaviour and attitude, personal development and leadership and management.

The inspection in May found staff members could not perform all their duties because they had to supervise hazards in certain areas of the nursery.

A spokesperson for Gummy Bears said they believed the Ofsted inspector had "inside information" that was given by a "disgruntled ex-employee".

'Complete trust'

The Ofsted report said staff could not perform their duties because they had to supervise hazards, which included sitting in front of heaters to prevent access.

Inspectors went on to describe how the stairs leading to the fire door had torn carpets, which created a tripping hazard, and fire routes are also used as play areas.

This compromised the safe exit from the rooms in the event of a fire or other emergency, the report stated.

The report also highlighted poor hygiene at the St Albans Avenue site, saying "staff don't wash their hands" and "dried pasta and oats are left on the floor throughout the day".

However inspectors found staff were caring towards the children who were warmly welcomed by the nursery workers.

Since the inspection, effective risk assessments have been implemented, a welfare visit report stated.

A spokesperson for Gummy Bears said: "We strongly suspect that this has come from a malicious complaint from a disgruntled ex-employee who was dismissed for gross misconduct."

"We do not feel that this reflects us as a nursery at all," the nursery added, stating parents and carers who have "complete trust in us" were "shocked" at the grade.