A Southampton nursery rated inadequate for not ensuring children's safety has taken steps to improve, Ofsted has said.

Inspectors visited Highfield Nursery School on Brookvale Road and found the manager had not ensured all required safeguarding checks were completed.

A report said inspectors feared the manager did not take all steps to ensure the safety of the children.

The report said: “Children's safety is compromised because required suitability checks have not been completed for every person working on the premises.

“This has a significant impact on children's safety and personal development.”

The report added: “The manager is not taking sufficient steps to keep children safe.

“They have a poor understanding of the process that must be followed before any new staff can work unsupervised or be included in the adult-to-child ratios.”

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As a result, inspectors found the provider to be 'inadequate' during the inspection on February 7 and ordered changes be made.

These included implementing procedures to make sure staff are suitable for the requirements of their role, as well as making sure information was submitted to the regulator to ensure the suitability of staff.

But now - following an unannounced monitoring visit on March 3 - inspectors have said progress has been made.

The new report said: “We found that the provider had improved their knowledge and understanding of ensuring the suitability of adults looking after children.

“The provider understands the procedures to follow to record and information on vetting processes, including criminal records checks and sharing appropriate information with Ofsted, in a timely manner.”

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Despite the issues addressed, the nursery was praised for its homely environment and the manager’s vision for children’s development.

The report said: “Children happily leave their parents at the door to enter the welcoming setting. They show that they feel at ease in the homely environment.”

It added: “The manager has a vision for what they want children to learn and achieve. They particularly focus on children's personal, social and emotional development.

"Overall, children benefit from a range of purposeful activities.”

In response nursery director Alec Withers said: “On March 3 2023, we had another unannounced Ofsted visit and the required suitability checks were signed off as met.

“We continue to supply Ofsted with the information they request and make weekly enquiries to gain updates on progress of submissions.

“The positive comments are welcomed as recognition of the outstanding service delivered at Highfield Nursery School.”