Four people were sacked from a Marske nursery after an investigation found that staff members had an “inappropriate conversation” about children.
The Cheeky Monkees nursery, on Redcar Road in Marske, was hit with an “inadequate” rating from Ofsted after an inspection in April - after previously being “good”.
Angela Mehegan - owner of the nursery which also has branches in Stockton, Eaglescliffe and Thornaby - said four people had been sacked after Ofsted inspectors found safeguarding procedures to protect children’s well-being had “not been followed correctly”.
But Ms Mehegan vowed the nursery would bounce back and is confident of achieving a “good” rating in the next inspection.
A complaint in March led to Ofsted inspectors visiting and branding the nursery inadequate, despite highlighting a number of other strengths.
And a subsequent report reads: "Children's overall well-being and safety are compromised.
"This is due to some staff's inappropriate behaviour and comments about children.
"This does not fully promote their well-being or provide a positive environment in which they can thrive, particularly in the 'tweenie room.'
"However, children are observed to be happy and settled."
But Ms Mehegan told the Gazette: “It was a one-off incident that we knew nothing about until Ofsted turned up.
“We think it was a complaint to Ofsted by a member of staff about other staff.
"Following Ofsted, we did our own investigation and we found that two nursery nurses and a room leader were involved in an inappropriate conversation about the children.
“The deputy manager did not do their job by not reporting it. All four members of staff have been dismissed.
“We do have the right procedures in place, but they were not followed.
"Had it not been for that, the inspection report would have been good.”
Ofsted says it received information on March 20 this year that raised concerns “about the providers’ ability to safeguard children” and that members of staff “have not reported the inappropriate comments or behaviour of other staff, in a timely and appropriate way”.
The regulatory body said that requirements for the compulsory and voluntary parts of its Childcare Register were not met - and will now complete a new, full investigation within six months.
Ms Mehegan continued: “We have been open for 10 years and it was absolutely awful to find out, but we were given actions by Ofsted and it was sorted within two or three weeks.
“I would like to thank all the parents of our children who understand the nursery’s strengths and have been very supportive.
"They all know that it was a one off, and we’re looking forward to our next inspection because we’re confident we’ll be good again.”
The report also lists a number of the nursery’s strengths, saying that staff have developed "positive relationships" with parents and external agencies to ensure all children are fully included and that their individual needs are met.
Inspectors say children enjoy their time at nursery and are keen to join in with activities.
Staff also provide opportunities for children to develop their independence by helping to serve part of their lunch and pour their own drinks, preparing them well for their transition to school.
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