A nursery in Rochdale has been given an inadequate rating by Ofsted after several safety concerns were identified.
While the quality of education and the behaviour of the children may have been praised following a recent inspection, education watchdog Ofsted did however find that youngsters at Small World Nurseries – which is based at Tudor House on Manchester Road in Castleton – were found to be at risk of potential harm after a number of ineffective risk assessments were carried out.
Children were said to be “happy and engaged”, according to the Ofsted report, and it was also noted that they had formed “solid, affectionate bonds” with the staff that cared for them.
However, inspectors ended up rating the nursery as ‘inadequate’ overall, partly due to shortcomings in leadership and management, and mainly because policies and procedures around risk assessment and safeguarding were “not well implemented” and therefore exposed children to “potential hazards”.
The report said children were left vulnerable to avoidable injuries, as conditions at the nursery were not always suitable and safe, with “blocked fire exists, uneven surfaces, and children running with hot liquids” observed.
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“Although the environment is risk-assessed daily, this is not effective,” the report added.
Children at Small World Nurseries in Castleton were found at risk of potential harm after a number of ineffective risk assessments were carried out / Credit: Google Maps
The watchdog also said: “Children are given hot soup to drink outdoors [but] they are not given appropriate direction on how to drink this safely which means they run around on wet, slippery ground carrying hot soup, posing a risk to themselves and others.”
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The report referenced the fact children would “fall repeatedly” due to the slippery and uneven outdoor area at the nursery.
The nursery was also found to be failing to identify other practices that pose a risk to children, including providing phones for staff to use to take photos of the children without considering the risk posed by devices with “unfiltered internet access”, and Ofsted criticised the management team for being “not robust enough to recognise and rectify these concerns”.
As mentioned though, it’s not all doom and gloom for Small World Nurseries, as it was praised for its relationship with parents, who had described staff as “wonderful”, and were said to “feel reassured when their children leave the setting smiling and happy each day”.
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Inspectors noted that “all children make good progress”.
Featured Image – Google Maps
News
Police urgently appeal after 90-year-old woman killed by reversing car in Failsworth
Emily Sergeant
Police are urgently appealing to the public for information and witnesses after an elderly woman was killed by a reversing car last week.
At around 3pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a collision between a car and pedestrian on Albert Street West in Failsworth, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman, aged 90, had been struck by a reversing vehicle.
The woman was promptly taken to hospital in a ‘serious’ condition.
However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she sadly later died from her injuries earlier this week (13 January).
#APPEAL | Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information after a woman in her 90s was struck by a car on Albert Street West, Failsworth on 07/01/26
Following the incident, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences, but he has since been released on bail.
As officers progress their investigation at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses, urging the public to come forward if there’s any way they can help.
The appeal goes out to anyone who believes they saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident.
Sharing an official update online, the RFL wrote: “Wane, who has led England since February 2020, has taken time to reflect on the programme and believes the timing is right for new leadership to guide the team into the next phase, including the upcoming World Cup.
“During his tenure, Wane oversaw memorable series victories over Tonga in 2023 and a star-studded Samoa a year later, as well as a semi-final in the World Cup. He finishes with 14 wins from 19 matches.”
Crediting him as one of “a very small elite number of coaches to have won the full suite of domestic club honours and achieved World Club Championship success”, hailing his experience and longevity both as a player and as a coach.
As for Wane himself, he said: “It has been the honour of my life to coach England Rugby League over the last six years, but after careful reflection, I believe the time is right to step aside and allow the programme to move forward into its next chapter.
England are on the lookout for a new coach heading into the World Cup after being swept in the Ashes.
Coach Shaun Wane has reportedly resigned from the post after a disappointing 3-0 whitewash against Australia last year.
The 61-year-old ex-pro goes on to add, “The privilege of leading my country in a World Cup, an Ashes Series on home soil and securing victories over Tonga and Samoa will live long in the memory.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve worked alongside during that time; their commitment and professionalism made those moments possible. I wish everyone involved with England Rugby League the best going forward and for the World Cup later this year.”
According to the latest reports online, St Helens boss Paul Rowley is now said to be the favourite to take over in the interim.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is still months away (scheduled to take place in October and November), but the governing body will want to get the new setup and coaching in place as soon as possible to prepare for the tournament.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd March 2022 
