A Bexley nursery has been given the worst possible rating by Ofsted after children’s safety was found to be ‘compromised’.

Dot’s Tots Day Nursery, based at Rising Stars Day Care Thamesmead, has been rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted, with the personal development of children and management of the nursery being criticised.

The inspector claimed staff at the nursery on Templar Drive did not consistently implement the space’s safeguarding policy to support children’s welfare. They said that weaknesses in such arrangements meant that children’s safety could not be assured.

The report said: “The provider does not have a clear understanding of what their responsibilities are.

"They failed to inform Ofsted of a significant event which is a requirement under their registration.

"These breaches mean that arrangements for safeguarding are weak and therefore children’s safety is compromised.”

Children’s learning was said to not be supported effectively, with some new staff not having been inducted fully on the curriculum. T

he inspector claimed children often became disengaged and lost focus as learning experiences were not sufficiently challenging.

The report said: “Overall, children are keen to learn through play. However, the lack of effective planning of some activities means that some children easily become bored and their engagement is not sustained.”

However, the nursery was praised for staff building secure relationships with children, responding to them promptly when they are upset and comforting them.

Children are also encouraged to develop their independence, with toddlers putting their plates away after eating and older children putting their coats on and off.

The inspector said in their report: “Despite these weaknesses, children demonstrate that they feel happy and content in the nursery.

"Some staff support children’s language development well. For example, they comment on what children are doing, pause and give children time to respond. Some older children talk confidently using a wide range of vocabulary.”

The nursery reportedly has 40 children on the roll and provides care for individuals up to age four. Dot’s Tots Day Nursery was approached but declined the opportunity to provide a statement.