Twinnie Day Nursery in Belvedere has moved to reassure parents following a damning Ofsted report that highlighted risks to babies from choking hazards and unsafe lifting practices.
Ofsted Inspection Findings
Inspectors from the education regulator visited the nursery on Abbey Road on April 9, assessing six areas and finding that four 'require attention'. The report noted that staff did not consistently follow safer eating procedures, with food not always prepared appropriately for babies' age and development, potentially exposing them to choking risks. Additionally, staff did not always prioritize safety when lifting babies, failing to follow safe lifting techniques.
Nursery Manager Karin Vartia emphasized that no child came to harm and that the nursery acted immediately to address the concerns. She stated: 'The concerns related to specific aspects of practice observed during the inspection. Nevertheless, we took the findings seriously and immediately reviewed procedures, strengthened training, and enhanced monitoring arrangements.'
Nursery Response and Positive Aspects
Twinnie formally challenged the report with Ofsted, but the regulator chose not to amend it. Despite the criticisms, the report highlighted several positive findings: safeguarding is effective, children make progress from their starting points, and the nursery provides an inclusive environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Ms Vartia noted that additional staff training and quality assurance measures were implemented without delay. She stressed that Ofsted confirmed safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Children are described as happy, safe, and secure, building strong attachments with attentive staff.
Commitment to Improvement
The nursery remains proud of its dedicated team and the positive impact on children's development. Ms Vartia concluded: 'We remain focused on providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring environment where children can flourish. Their achievements, happiness, development, and wellbeing will always be the true measure of our success.'
