Inspectors have double-downgraded a nursery after they found garden machinery and medicines left within reach of babies and toddlers.

The Ofsted rating for Lullabies Nursery in Hythe has fallen from ‘Good’ to ‘Inadequate’ following a mixed report that praised staff’s interactions with youngsters, but criticised poor safeguarding practices.

“Leaders and managers have not ensured a safe environment for children,” wrote the watchdog.

“Unsuitable items such as garden machinery, medicines and sprays are left within children's reach and risk assessments are not in place to identify and minimise these hazards.

“And they do not complete robust enough checks where there are gaps in staff's employment history or ensure that staff have up-to-date safer recruitment knowledge.”

In handing down the lowest of four ratings, Ofsted also pointed to insufficient training for staff.

“Those staff working with the youngest children have not had appropriate training in the care of babies,” inspectors wrote.

“Although babies are offered cuddles and comfort when they become upset, some staff are unsure how to support them.

But despite the many criticisms of the St George’s Place site, the report published on November 2 also highlights how much parents and their little ones appear to enjoy the day-care centre.

“Children benefit from activities that support their language development,” it adds.

“They enjoy exploring coloured rice with large tweezers outside, talking about what they find.

“Parents appreciate the welcoming and friendly staff and talk of the setting as being like a family,” continued inspectors.

“They say that the setting supports them to help their children at home and that their children have developed confidence, independence and skills for school.”

Lullabies caters to 63 babies and toddlers aged zero to four and has been open since 2011.

“Unsuitable items such as garden machinery, medicines and sprays are left within children's reach...”

It is located in the grounds of Palmarsh Primary School and provides free early education for children aged two, three and four for households that qualify.

Ofsted noted that leaders and managers are passionate about supporting local families.

“For example, they collect donations for the local food bank and signpost families for support,” it said.

“They want to develop an allotment so that children can grow their own fruits and vegetables.”

While the nursery was rated ‘Inadequate’ for leadership and management and personal development, it received the higher grading of ‘Requires improvement’ for the quality of education and behaviour and attitudes.

Lullabies declined to comment when contacted by KentOnline.