Ilford South Labour MP’s Nurseries Found in Breach of Ofsted Rules
A nursery company founded by Jas Athwal, the Ilford South Labour MP, has recently come under scrutiny for breaching child safety regulations, according to a report by Ofsted. Village Day Nurseries Ltd, established in September 2007, has been at the center of controversy due to multiple violations of safety protocols in their facilities.
Jas Athwal, also known as Jasbir Athwal, has been listed as one of the directors of the company since its inception in 2007. The nursery chain operates three sites in Essex and Derby, catering to approximately 100 children under the age of five at each location. Despite their size and reach, all three nurseries have faced criticism from Ofsted in recent years for their failure to comply with essential safety standards.
Concerns Raised at Royal Village Nursery and Leigh Village Day Nursery
One notable incident that drew attention to the nurseries’ shortcomings was a complaint lodged against Royal Village Nursery in Southend-on-Sea. The complaint, dated March 4, 2023, highlighted a “significant event relating to the supervision of children” at the facility. Following the complaint, the nursery was prompted to revise its procedures for overseeing children to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Similarly, Leigh Village Day Nursery in Leigh-on-Sea faced scrutiny in March 2021 when concerns were raised about the suitability of a staff member working with children. While an inspection in January 2023 rated the nursery as ‘Good’, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in childcare settings.
Failures at The Orchard Garden Private Day Nursery
In another instance of non-compliance, Ofsted received a complaint regarding The Orchard Garden Private Day Nursery in Derby in October 2023. The nursery was found to have failed to meet certain legal requirements after concerns were raised about safety protocols during outings. As a result, the nursery had to review and improve its arrangements for safeguarding children’s well-being while on external trips.
Despite these setbacks and criticisms, all nurseries associated with Jas Athwal have taken corrective action and have been re-evaluated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of care and safety in childcare facilities.
As Jas Athwal continues to face scrutiny over his property dealings, with reports of tenant complaints regarding living conditions in his rental properties, the spotlight on his business ventures and their adherence to regulations remains intense. Mr. Athwal has expressed regret and shock over the reports, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the well-being of children in his care.
In conclusion, the breaches of Ofsted rules at Jas Athwal’s nurseries highlight the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety regulations in childcare settings. While corrective actions have been taken, the incidents serve as a reminder of the critical role played by regulatory bodies in ensuring the welfare of young children in educational and care environments.