A watchdog has rapped a leading charity for the second time this year for the way it runs a nursery.

In June, Action for Children, which runs Spring Honeypot nursery, was found to be placing children at “significant risk” and was rated “Inadequate” after an unannounced Ofsted probe.

A recent inspection discovered children were making insufficient learning progress and have a “Requires Improvement” notice to the site in Dover Road, Folkestone.

The report said: “Children are not making good enough progress in all areas of development.

“They are not consistently challenged to develop their skills even further, to prepare them for their future learning and eventual move to school.

“They do not plan challenging experiences and activities that focus on children’s next steps in learning to help ensure all children make the best possible progress.

"Staff miss opportunities to extend older children’s interest in mathematics during daily routines and activities."

Action for Children is a charity that supports vulnerable young people and families.

Spring Honeypot has 50 children on its roll and its registered provider is Action For Children Developments Ltd.

It runs some 45 UK nurseries and dubs them “excellent” on its website.

“Children are not making good enough progress in all areas of development..." Ofsted report

However inspectors found the Folkestone nursery was below par across all four categories during its October probe.

Ofsted rated the service “Requires Improvement” for leadership, teaching, personal development and children’s outcomes.

Sara Garrity’s report ordered the nursery to better identify gaps in children’s learning and to improve maths and English skills.

Ms Garrity also advised teachers to “increase the opportunities children have to learn about the different cultures and backgrounds within the community".

She noted the nursery had improved safeguarding since the last inspection and children were no longer at risk.

The report said: “The provider has made changes to the systems for assessment and planning but the effects of these are not yet fully embedded.

"As a result, children are not making good progress across all areas of learning."

It continues: “Children’s behaviour is appropriate for their age. They build strong bonds with all staff, who support their emotional well-being.

"However, all children’s cultural backgrounds are not reflected in the environment to help them learn about their community and the wider world.”