A ROSSENDALE nursery is putting children at risk, according to education watchdog Ofsted.

Bear Buddies Private Day Nursery, in Rawtenstall, has been given the lowest rating possible rating following its first inspection.

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It was graded inadequate and was criticised for its leadership, early-years provision and for not meeting the legal requirements for early-years settings.

The Crankshaw Street nursery, which was established last year, has 27 children on its roll, employs four members of childcare staff and was inspected on March 30.

Lead inspector Frank Kelly said: “The provider has failed to meet her legal responsibilities to ensure that staffing ratios, qualifications and deployment are organised to meet minimum legal requirements at all times.

“As a result, it significantly impacts on a number of aspects of the children’s safety, learning and well-being.

“Children are placed at risk as the provider does not ensure that there is a staff member, suitably trained in paediatric first aid, present at all times.

“There is no named deputy in post to take charge in the absence of the manager, and there are weak systems for staff supervision and professional development.

“Children’s safety and well-being are potentially compromised as the steps taken to remove and manage risks, when on outings and using a vehicle, have not been extensively considered.

“Staff do not ensure that every child has a record of learning and they have not undertaken any assessment for these children when they first start.

“As a result, they have failed to identify children’s current stage of development, their interests and needs.

“Therefore, some children’s unique learning needs are not adequately planned for or supported.”

Manager Jo Crankshaw said: “We have only been open for five months and we have had a few teething problems being a new business.

“We have been working towards getting the right team together.

“We had a couple members of staff leaving with short notice which left us short but that has now been addressed.

“We now have a team in place and I am confident that we will get an improved rating after the next inspection which is five or six months away.”