Ofsted inspectors have issued a damning report on Minee Monkeys nursery in Oldbury, concluding that young children are at risk of choking because staff fail to supervise them adequately during mealtimes. The nursery, located on Birchfield Lane, was found to have serious safeguarding failures that place children's welfare and wellbeing in jeopardy.
Inspectors witness unsafe practices
During an inspection, Ofsted officials observed toddlers being given whole sausages and expected to cut them independently, a practice they deemed developmentally inappropriate and hazardous. The report states that staff do not consistently position themselves to observe children directly while eating, increasing the risk of choking, including silent choking.
The watchdog demanded urgent improvements in two key areas: children's welfare and wellbeing. Inspectors noted that while some food is prepared appropriately, safer eating practices are not consistently followed. For example, younger children, including toddlers, are given whole sausages and expected to manage cutting them without adequate supervision.
Training and supervision gaps
The report highlighted that not all staff, including those working with babies, have received training in safe food preparation. This means food is not always prepared in a way that promotes safety. In the baby room, weaknesses in staff deployment mean that caregivers are not always able to respond promptly to children's care and emotional needs. As a result, some children receive reduced attention and supervision during routines and play.
According to Ofsted, “Leaders do not ensure that children's welfare and wellbeing are met effectively. They do not ensure that staff implement policies and procedures, therefore, care and supervision compromises children's safety and places them at risk of harm.”
Broader context of nursery safety
This inspection follows a number of high-profile safety failings at nurseries across England in recent years, which have increased scrutiny on how early years settings are managed. Ofsted's ruling that safeguarding standards are not being met underscores the critical importance of proper supervision and training in childcare environments.
Inspectors also noted that while staff support children to understand and manage their emotions—for example, through a 'calm area' and self-regulation resources—these efforts are undermined by inconsistent risk management. Some resources were found unsuitable for children's age and stage of development, exposing them to avoidable hazards such as small pieces that pose choking risks.
The nursery has been told it must make immediate improvements to ensure children's safety. Ofsted will continue to monitor the setting to ensure compliance.
