Oldbury nursery told to improve after Ofsted finds children 'at risk of choking'

An Oldbury nursery has been told to make immediate improvements after inspectors raised concerns about children's safety during an Ofsted inspection.

Minee Monkeys Nursery, on Birchfield Lane, was found to have weaknesses in safeguarding arrangements, with inspectors warning that some children were being placed at unnecessary risk during mealtimes and play.

The inspection concluded that safeguarding requirements were not being met and identified children's welfare and wellbeing as an area requiring urgent action.

Inspectors reported that staff were not consistently supervising children closely enough while they were eating, increasing the risk of choking. The report also highlighted concerns that some younger children, including toddlers, were served whole sausages and expected to cut them independently, with inspectors questioning whether this was appropriate for their age and stage of development.

The report reads: “Staff do not supervise children closely enough during mealtimes. This places children at risk of choking, including the risk of silent choking, as staff are not always positioned to observe children directly.

“While some food is prepared appropriately, safer eating practices are not consistently followed. For example, younger children, including toddlers, are given whole sausages during mealtimes and are expected to manage cutting these independently. “

According to the report, not all staff – including those caring for babies – had received training in safe food preparation, meaning food was not always prepared in a way that minimised potential risks.

Inspectors also identified concerns in the baby room, where staffing arrangements meant children's emotional and care needs were not always responded to promptly. The report said this reduced the level of attention and supervision some children received during daily routines and play.

In addition, Ofsted found that some resources available to children were not suitable for their age, creating avoidable hazards, including the risk of choking from small objects.

Despite the concerns, inspectors acknowledged positive aspects of the nursery's provision, including efforts to help children understand and manage their emotions through the use of a designated calm area and self-regulation resources.

In response to the inspection, Minee Monkeys Nursery said it was "deeply disappointed and saddened" by the findings and subsequent media coverage.

The nursery, which has operated for 22 years, said the safety, wellbeing and happiness of children have always been its highest priorities. It said the inspection reflected only a brief snapshot of day-to-day life at the setting and did not accurately represent the quality of care provided by its staff.

Addressing concerns about children cutting their own food, the nursery said encouraging independence is an important part of early years education and that children are supervised by staff while undertaking such activities.

The nursery added that it respects Ofsted's role but believes inspections can sometimes fail to reflect the consistent care and strong relationships developed with children and families over many years.

Managers said they remain committed to providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment and will continue working to support children and reassure families following the inspection.

The inspection was carried out on April 23, 2026 and can be read in full here.