Inspectors have slapped a nursery with an ‘inadequate’ rating after cracked glass and sharp gaps in windowpanes were not made safe.

The shocking Ofsted report found children’s safety was compromised at the Spring at St Bart’s Day Nursery in Sandwich as fire exits were obstructed.

The education watchdog identified “significant weaknesses in leadership and management” which did not adequately ensure children were protected.

It was also discovered staff did not have opportunities to discuss relevant issues, which “did not promote their ongoing personal development or wellbeing”.

The nursery, run by non-profit group Action for Children, was hit with Ofsted’s worst possible rating after an inspection in August, the findings of which were published this week.

“Dangers in the environment have not been made safe,” the report states.

“Staff have identified and reported risks, such as cracked glass and exposed, sharp gaps in windowpanes.

“However, the provider has not ensured that action has been taken to swiftly remove hazards.”

Ofsted says the provider did not monitor “well enough” to ensure the environment is safe.

For instance, inspectors found staff did not ensure fire safety arrangements were robust.

And the nursery did not take “prompt action” to address health and safety concerns raised by staff.

“There are weaknesses in the arrangements to supervise and coach staff,” the report added.

“Staff do not have opportunities to discuss relevant issues or to address any issues as they arise.

“This does not promote their ongoing personal development or wellbeing.”

However, Ofsted says staff created a “calm and welcoming environment”, which helped children to feel safe and settled.

Inspectors also found key staff have “relevant knowledge of their key children”, which gives them a basic understanding of their needs.

But the watchdog said the curriculum “lacks ambition”.

“Significant weaknesses in leadership and management do not adequately ensure children are protected,” the report states.

“The provider has not taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the building can be evacuated in the event of a fire or emergency.

“Pathways used for emergency exits are not free of obstruction.

“This compromises children's safety.”

Spring at St Bart's registered in 2019 and employs 30 members of childcare staff.

An Action for Children spokesperson said: “There is a new management team in the nursery which is working hard to deliver a safe and happy environment for all the children in their care.

“We have taken immediate action to remedy the areas identified by Ofsted including health and safety and building repairs and we have increased training for the team.

“Safeguarding is paramount to our work with children and families, and we are working with staff to monitor and review safeguarding practices on an ongoing basis so that they are of the highest standard.

“Since the inspection, we have also provided greater support to the team, especially in the areas of ‘quality of education’ and ‘behaviour and attitudes’.

“We shared the Ofsted findings with all parents and carers and met with a number of them last week to talk through their concerns and to hear about the improvements we have made and are continuing to make.

“We want all parents to be reassured that we are taking the necessary actions at St Barts.”