THE owners of a Basingstoke nursery which was told to improve because children were at ‘potential risk of harm’ has apologised to parents and children and said it was “disappointed” with the outcome.

As previously reported, Busy Bees Day Nursery at Basingstoke hospital, in Aldermaston Road, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in April who graded it as ‘inadequate’ in all areas.

Read more: Basingstoke nursery ordered to improve as children left crying, bored and with runny noses

It was served a ‘welfare requirement notice’ and asked to make various improvements by May 2, including in relation to its safeguarding practices.

Inspectors, who visited after receiving information about Busy Bees, found that children “do not receive the care and education they deserve”.

A report published following the inspection highlighted issues with staff not having safeguarding knowledge to adequately protect children; bored children; poor leadership; inadequate recruitment processes; and poor hygiene practices.

The nursery, which has 101 children on its roll and 29 members of staff, is open from 7am to 6pm five days a week, for children aged two to four.

Busy Bees, which runs 379 nurseries across the country including in Chineham and Hatch Warren, has now responded and apologised for the outcome following the unannounced inspection and said it will “do whatever it takes” to improve.

A statement from the nursery provider said: “While we respect their findings, we are very disappointed with the outcome.

“We have already taken actions to improve in all the areas identified in the report. We will do whatever it takes to deliver the improvements needed.

“We strive to deliver only outstanding childcare at Busy Bees and are working hard to provide that for both parents and children.

“An action plan has been put in place to address all the areas identified during the inspection and we are sharing that plan with parents so they can see that progress is being made.

“We have already rectified many of the points identified by the inspection team and are working very hard to achieve all the necessary improvements.”

Jon Maloney, area director for Busy Bees, added: “We have already made significant improvements in areas highlighted during the inspection to ensure the needs of children at the nursery are being met at all times.

“We apologise for falling below the standards parents and children expect of us and are committed to improving the nursery. I am confident that next time Ofsted visit there will be a very different and much more positive outcome.”

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