A CHILDCARE provider has been criticised again, just a month after it closed a Winchester nursery following welfare concerns.

Casa dei Bambini Day Nursery, in St John’s Street, Winchester, has seen its rating fall from ‘good’ to ‘inadequate’ after an inspection in June.

The nursery is run by Hartley House Montessori Limited, whose director is Susan Hartley-Raven. Last month The Lido Nursery School and Activity Club, also owned by Mrs Hartley-Raven, closed when inspectors found that it had failed to resolve welfare concerns and children did not make good progress.

Ofsted said there were breaches in relation to the safeguarding of children at Casa dei Bambini Day Nursery which “undermine children's health and welfare”.

The report published on July 23 said: “This inspection was brought forward to look into concerns around food hygiene, health and staff deployment. At inspection, it was found that staff do not ensure that the premises and equipment are safe and suitable. For example, staff do not demonstrate how they are managing safety and do not take all reasonable steps to ensure that children are not exposed to the dangers presented by broken furniture or a wet slide. Staff fail to act quickly when children drop food onto the floor and put it into their mouths. This means that children's wellbeing is undermined.”

Inspectors said leadership is weak, the manager fails to ensure that “all staff have a good understanding of the nursery's safeguarding procedures”, which puts children at risk.

“Risk assessments are not implemented effectively to keep children safe. Despite this, staff have a sufficient knowledge of the basic signs of abuse and neglect. Leaders ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children and carry out appropriate checks to ensure that they remain suitable,” the report added.

Inspectors praised the nursery for the quality of education which is “supported well, leading to good outcomes for children”.

They noted that children enjoy a “broad and balanced curriculum”, adding: “Staff have high expectations for all children in their care. There is a strong focus on supporting children's communication and language skills."

It added that “staff provide a well-organised learning environment” and provide children with various experiences in the nursery to help to narrow any gaps in their learn.

The nursery was given for requirements to meet by Ofsted including ensuring all staff know safeguarding policy, implement rigorous risk assessments, review hygiene routines and ensure all staff receive support.

Ofsted ordered the provider to meet these requirements by July 14, which the nursery says it has embedded.

A nursery spokesperson said: "We are confident that we have improved the key elements that Ofsted have highlighted and we are moving forward with developing what our nursery can offer our children and families."

They added: "We have refreshed the procedures for the team in terms of recording and reporting any actions. A robust morning risk assessment has been put into place and this is being closely monitored by the management team. We have been hands on working with the team to refine these practises as well as training on the job. The team are aware of the importance of being more confident when talking with the inspectors and also explaining the reasoning behind the actions that they take. Children are being taught the importance of keeping themself healthy during key times of the day."