PRE-SCHOOL staff say they are devastated after a concering Ofsted report raised safety concerns for the children.

The children’s services watchdog rated Lexden Lodge Kindergarten, Colchester, inadequate, despite it previously being hailed as outstanding.

The pre-school in Lexden Road ranked inadequate across all of the board in its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

The unimpressed inspector deemed the children’s safety and well-being is “not assured” when attending the premises and the safeguarding arrangements are ineffective.

Manager Angela McQuitty told the Gazette she is “heartbroken” by the report and a collective reflection has taken place among staff to restore outstanding status.

She said: “To say we are disappointed with the result of the review is an understatement… We have always strived to provide the best childcare available.

“We are truly heartbroken, and all staff at the nursery are absolutely devastated with this turn of events.”

The damning report of the pre-school stated staff do not manage children’s behaviour effectively and “poor” staff deployment further compromises their safety.

During the inspection undertaken in April, the watchdog says it saw children hitting their peers to get what they want, but generally staff do not notice these incidents and they usually go unrecorded.

The report reads: “Toddlers frequently snatch toys from their peers and, at times, throw objects around the room.

“Older children lose interest during group activities and do not take notice when staff ask them to stop.

“They push and grab other children's hands and arms, which provokes a reaction. Staff fail to consistently notice and intervene.”

The inspector noted, however, staff do have a secure knowledge of child protection and understand the signs suggesting if a youngster is at risk of harm or abuse.

A defiant Ms McQuitty added: “We believe with all of our might we will correct the course and bring our standards back to where we expect, at the very top of the childcare available in this country.

“We sincerely value the connection we have with all parents and their incredible children, whom we care deeply for.

“We are working rigorously to correct this situation for the parents but, most importantly, for the little ones.”