A previously ‘Outstanding’ nursery has been rated ‘Inadequate’ after watchdog inspectors reported children leaving the nursery unnoticed.

In a report published on October 10, Ofsted rated Bright Horizons Chigwell Valley Meadows Day Nursery and Preschool, in Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, ‘Inadequate’ in all four inspection criteria.

The nursery, last visited by Ofsted in 2015, had previously been rated ‘Outstanding’.

Following an inspection on September 19, inspectors said the nursery’s poor management meant children's safety and welfare was “significantly compromised”.

Inspectors Ann Cozzi and Lynn Clements wrote: “The provider does not make certain that staff are vigilant in their supervision of children. This has resulted in children leaving the nursery unnoticed.

“In addition, unauthorised persons are able to gain entry into the nursery, placing children at further risk of harm.”

The nursery was also criticised for not understanding children’s learning needs and failing to utilise information provided by parents.

Inspectors added: “Staff are unable to accurately plan an exciting and challenging learning environment for children.”

Leadership was criticised for failing to identify staff underperformance and provide training to improve areas of weakness. “This has led to an ethos where managers and staff working with children do not recognise or appreciate their individual or collective responsibility to keep them safe”, the report said.

Inspectors said staff failed to teach children about hygiene, including not telling children to cover their nose as they sneeze, or not encouraging young children to clean their hands before meals.

Ofsted revisited the nursery, on October 2, for a monitoring inspection to check whether Bright Horizons had adhered to a Welfare Requirements Notice – a list of improvements the nursery had to make to be deemed safe – issued at the previous inspection.

Inspectors said the nursery had “demonstrated progress” but issued a further Welfare Requirements Notice, due October 22, to improve safeguarding polices further.

A spokesperson for Bright Horizon nurseries, said: “Following the recent disappointing inspection judgement we have taken Ofsted’s feedback very seriously. Our priority as always is the wellbeing and education of the children in our care and our partnership with families.

“We know that families place huge trust in our nursery team and we have a development plan underway focused on delivering the quality of care and education that we can be proud of.

“We are heartened by the positive comments within the inspection report but remain mindful of the observations that have led to this overall rating.

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