A COLCHESTER nursery has been slammed by a watchdog in its first ever report after inspectors found it did not effectively following “procedures” to “keep children safe”.

Angelina’s Day Care LTD, in Asset House, East Street, Colchester, has been graded as inadequate in its first Ofsted report that was published on October 29

Following the inspection on September 2, Angelina’s Day Care was rated inadequate in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management categories.

According to the report, there is a “weakness in leadership and management” that means the “children’s welfare is not fully assured”.

Area - East Street in ColchesterArea - East Street in Colchester (Image: Google Maps) When it comes to the nursey procedures not being followed to keep children safe, there were occasions where “children were left unattended with visitors”.

It also said: “The provider does not have an interesting, challenging and purposeful curriculum in place for children, and activities are not tailored to children's needs.

“Children who learn best outdoors are not provided with a stimulating and exciting outdoor curriculum to capture their interests.

“Despite these weaknesses, children appear settled and comfortable in the nursery.”

Day care - an illustrative image of a child colouring inDay care - an illustrative image of a child colouring in (Image: Pixabay)

The report said new children who have joined the nursery are excited and eager to begin their day as they explore a selection of toys available to them and play.

Children also appear to be “happy and content” once settled and “staff are kind and caring towards the children.”

Staff meet weekly to discuss planning and to review the needs of children.

However, “effective arrangements for the supervision of staff are not in place and staff are not being coached well enough to develop the quality of their teaching.

“As a result, staff lack confidence in their abilities to fulfil their roles and responsibilities.”

The current curriculum has also been described as “not ambitious or effective”.

It is noted that there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

Angelina’s Day Care registered earlier this year and provides care to babies and young preschool-aged children. It also provides funded education for two, three, and four-year-old children.

It has a total of 90 spaces and is Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, all year round.

Angelina’s Day Care employs four members of staff, two of these hold an appropriate early years qualification at level three.

Angelina's Day Care did not respond for comment.