A Bangor nursery has been forced to close its doors permanently after education watchdogs uncovered alarming safety breaches that put young children at risk.
First Steps Learning Academy faced immediate suspension following an unannounced Ofsted inspection that revealed multiple serious failures in safeguarding procedures.
Critical Safety Failures Exposed
Inspectors discovered children were being left unsupervised in both indoor and outdoor areas, with staff failing to maintain proper oversight of vulnerable young learners. The report highlighted particularly concerning incidents where children were left alone without adequate supervision.
Furthermore, the nursery's recruitment processes were found to be dangerously inadequate. Staff members had been allowed to work with children before their background checks had been completed, fundamentally breaching child protection protocols.
Immediate Closure and Parental Notification
Following the damning inspection report, Gwynedd Council took swift action, notifying parents that the nursery would not be reopening. The local authority confirmed that alternative childcare placements were being arranged for affected families.
A council spokesperson stated: "We have a duty to ensure all childcare providers meet the highest standards of safety. Where these standards are not met, we must take appropriate action to protect children."
Broader Implications for Early Years Care
This case raises significant questions about oversight in the early years education sector. The closure comes amid increasing scrutiny of childcare providers across Wales and highlights the critical importance of robust safeguarding measures in settings caring for young children.
Parents have expressed shock and concern, with many now seeking alternative arrangements for their children's care and education.
