(Image: T&A)
A Bradford nursery has completed a dramatic turnaround just five months after Ofsted identified serious failings and launched enforcement action.
Blessings Day Care & Nursery in Manningham was inspected in April, when inspectors raised concerns over safeguarding, staff practice and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
At a September reinspection, the nursery met the expected standard in achievement, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and safeguarding.
Management said they acted immediately after the original inspection.
Children and staff at Blessings Day Care & Nursery (Image: T&A)
'Significant achievement within a short period'
A spokesperson said: “We recognised the seriousness of those findings and the understandable concern they caused for families.
“We took responsibility and focused on making the changes needed to provide children with the care, safety and education they deserve.”
They added: “We are now proud to share that, just five months later, Blessings has been reinspected and achieved the expected standard across all areas.
“This represents a significant achievement within a short period and reflects the commitment and hard work of our whole team.”
Former Ofsted inspector employed
The nursery said a key part of its improvement plan was appointing a new early years lead with 27 years’ experience who is also a former Ofsted inspector.
Managers said training, practical guidance and ongoing support improved staff confidence and their understanding of high-quality early years education.
Ofsted praised improvements since the previous inspection, especially support for children with SEND and those facing barriers to learning.
Children and staff at Blessings Day Care & Nursery (Image: T&A)
The watchdog noted that leaders had made “significant improvement” in this area.
The report highlighted a number of day-to-day improvements, including the introduction of healthier menus, stronger support for children's emotional wellbeing and greater opportunities for independence.
Children are 'calm, happy and engaged'
Inspectors praised staff for helping children learn to feed themselves, use cutlery and prepare for school.
Ofsted inspectors found children were “calm, happy and engaged in their learning” and making steady progress in every area of development.
Children were observed eagerly taking part in activities, developing language skills through stories and rhymes, and showing determination when learning new tasks.
Children and staff at Blessings Day Care & Nursery (Image: T&A)
Parents also responded positively, with inspectors saying families appreciated seeing the improvements for themselves at the nursery.
While the report was positive overall, Ofsted identified some areas for further development, including improving hygiene practices and creating calmer, better-managed transitions between activities.
A spokesperson said the nursery felt “like a different place” and praised the quality of care provided by staff.
They added: “The latest inspection outcome is an important milestone, and we remain committed to building on it.”