A NURSERY has been ordered to improve in a damning Ofsted report which raised serious concerns over children’s welfare and their progress.

The education watchdog criticised the care at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, in Carnarvon Road, Southend.

Following an inspection on January 27, Ofsted published its report which concluded key improvements had not been made, despite previous welfare requirement notices being issued.

Inspector Sue Mann has labelled the nursery as inadequate.

Her report states: “Children with special educational needs and or disabilities are unsupported and are very much left on their own. Children are unable to learn how to manage their own behaviour.

“They run about indoors and some throw objects unchallenged as staff are too busy to intervene. Staff have completed some online training to help support their professional development and practice.

“However, this has failed to improve the quality of education or the experience they provide for children.

“The provider has failed to ensure that risk assessments identify and minimise all potential hazards.

“For example, plug sockets are not checked to ensure that they are switched off.

“Tables and chairs are placed right beside the sockets, which means children could easily poke objects into them, including their knives or forks at mealtimes.”

Concerns were also raised over staff members’ “lack of knowledge” on how to assess children.

The report added: “Current assessments of children show that they have not made expected levels of progress in relation to what is expected for their ages.”

The nursery has 26 children on its roll with three staff. 

A nursery spokesman said: "Following the recent disappointing inspection judgement, we have taken Ofsted’s feedback very seriously.

"We are addressing these concerns as a matter of urgency and have provided additional support to the nursery from our highly qualified and experienced Early Years specialists. 

"Our priority as always is the wellbeing and development of the children in our care and we have a development plan underway focused on delivering the quality of care and education that we can be proud of."