A NORTON nursery has been rated inadequate in a damning report by Ofsted which states children are "not adequately supervised to ensure their safety".

Daisy Chain Day Nursery, Kempton Way, was rated outstanding in a previous inspection in 2011.

But an inspection carried out on May 14 this year has downgraded it to inadequate - raising serious concerns about children’s safety.

A report by Ofsted inspector Parm Sansoyer notes: “The required staff to child ratios are not always maintained during the early morning shift period.

“Consequently, children are not adequately supervised to ensure their safety.”

It states when youngsters are in an outdoor orchard, which boasts structures for them to climb and dens to play in, they are not always within the sight and hearing of staff and that a headcount is not conducted when they come back inside.

The report criticises the nursery’s poor staffing arrangements and states children are “not being adequately supervised at all times and therefore their safety, welfare and well-being are seriously compromised on these occasions.”

The report notes on the day of the inspection staff to children ratios were okay, but that “on checking staff and children’s registers, and through discussions with staff, it found they are not always maintained during the early morning shift from 7.30am till 9.30am.”

The report does praise aspects of the nursery’s provision, stating: “In contrast, when staffing arrangements are effective, the children’s personal, social and emotional development is fostered very well.”

It also recognises the nursery’s freshly prepared meals, cleanliness and “highly stimulating and welcoming environment”.

The Ofsted report was prioritised after the independent body received concerns staff-to-child ratios were not being maintained.

Nursery manager Ketrina Hill said Daisy Chain was appealing the findings and added: “I would never and have never compromised the safety of the children in my care.

“This is the result of a malicious and well-timed complaint when I was out of the country on my family holiday. I haven’t yet been given the opportunity to defend myself and put the record straight as it is under appeal with Ofsted.”

An Ofsted spokesperson said: “Correspondence has been received from the provider regarding their recent inspection.

“The proper process will be followed and a response to this communication will be made.”

The privately owned day nursery, which operates from an annexe to Norton Community Centre and employs 27 staff, has 152 children on its roll.

To read the Ofsted report in full go to www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/253797