Bright Horizons, the UK's largest nursery provider, is facing severe scrutiny after being served a compliance notice by Ofsted over safeguarding concerns. The education regulator has identified 'significant weaknesses in organisational safeguarding leadership, governance, oversight and practice' across its 247 settings.
Following a probe triggered by a serious incident in September 2023, Ofsted conducted 172 inspections and site visits between October 2023 and June 2024. While the majority of nurseries continue to meet requirements, breaches were found at 75 sites.
The notice requires Bright Horizons to implement critical improvements by August, including ensuring senior leaders understand safeguarding policies and consistently apply them. The provider must also improve procedures for managing allegations against staff and ensure concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Ofsted's chief inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, stressed that the outcome clearly outlines what Bright Horizons needs to do by when. He encouraged parents to check their nursery's latest inspection report or update on the Ofsted website, reassuring them that most nurseries are meeting requirements.
This development comes as Ofsted expands its unannounced inspections in England, starting from September, with an additional 3,000 annual checks nationwide. Failure to comply with a compliance notice can result in registration refusal, cancellation or conditions being imposed on the nursery's registrations.
Separately, a Bright Horizons nursery that employed a perpetrator of child abuse closed last May, and some parents are pursuing a judicial review as they explore their options for seeking justice.