Inspection reveals safety concerns at Altens nursery

Little Clouds nursery under scrutiny for inadequate hygiene practices and staff training

In a recent inspection, Little Clouds nursery located on Nigg Kirk Road in Altens has come under fire for failing to provide a safe environment for children. The Care Inspectorate’s report highlighted significant shortcomings in infection prevention and control measures, raising alarms about the well-being of the 40 children in their care.

Inadequate hygiene practices

Inspectors found that some staff members were not washing their hands adequately while preparing food, a fundamental practice that is essential in preventing the spread of infections. Furthermore, the changing unit and mat were reported as dirty and unhygienic.

When inspectors brought these issues to the attention of the staff, they noted that insufficient action was taken to rectify the situation. Although the manager responded promptly to ensure proper cleaning, the maintenance of these standards was lacking during the two-day inspection period.

Concerns over staff training and child safety

Additional concerns were raised regarding the storage of dummies in the baby room, which posed a risk of cross-contamination. The inspectors pointed out that staff did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of their roles and responsibilities, which is crucial in safeguarding children from potential hazards. Moreover, the play activities were criticized for being overly adult-led, with many not being age or stage appropriate, further questioning the nursery’s commitment to child-centered care.

Mixed feedback from parents and staff

Despite the serious concerns, the inspection also noted some positive aspects of the nursery. Children reportedly experienced warm and caring relationships with the staff, who were described as knowing the children well and building trusting connections. Parents who provided feedback expressed satisfaction with the care their children received, indicating that the nursery has strengths that should not be overlooked.

In response to the inspection findings, a spokesperson for Little Clouds nursery expressed disappointment with the results but emphasized their commitment to implementing necessary changes. They stated, “We have already begun to implement changes and we will continue to put our families first and strive to provide a high-quality service.” This commitment to improvement will be crucial as the nursery works to address the highlighted issues and restore trust among parents and the community.