Two nurseries have drastically improved in a matter of months after previously being hit with ‘inadequate’ Ofsted scores.

Inspectors had double-downgraded Jumping Jacks in Folkestone and Lullabies in Hythe after they uncovered safeguarding concerns.

But both are now rated as ‘good’.

Palmarsh Primary School-based Lullabies was the first to be visited by inspectors in September when it given the lowest possible rating.

They found garden machinery and medicines were left in reach of babies and toddlers.

But an Ofsted visit last month found the “warm and caring interactions of staff help children to feel safe and secure”.

“Children become extremely motivated and independent learners as they confidently explore the stimulating learning environments, indoors and out,” the report states.

“Staff use their comprehensive knowledge of each child to offer a challenging, exciting curriculum.

“They successfully organise the space and resources to build on children's curiosity.

“The youngest children develop their mobility as they pull themselves up on the carefully placed furniture.

“They have constant opportunities to learn through the good range of sensory and craft activities.”

Ofsted also found leadership and management are “strong and effective” while a range of “well-thought-out changes” have significantly improved the quality of the provision.

Well-targeted training has increased the knowledge and confidence of staff, who work “very well as a team”, the report adds.

Meanwhile, inspectors handed Jumping Jacks Preschool its worst-ever rating after a visit in October.

It led to the nursery manager saying her staff will not change anything about the way they operate.

Jacqueline Canaguy branded the inspection unfair and potentially damaging to the facility’s future.

Officials from the education watchdog had found safeguarding issues “compromising children’s welfare” and teaching techniques sometimes lacking.

But a visit last month found youngsters and their families “are welcomed in this homely setting”.

“Children enjoy playing with resources provided by staff who know them well,” it states

“They spend time making maps and talking with staff about directions to get to the beach. This encourages their communication and thinking skills.

“Staff promote children's emotional well-being.”

Youngsters behave well and are frequently praised and encouraged by team members, the report adds.

Managers are described as “proactive and hard-working” and all staff have undertaken further safeguarding training since the last inspection.

Both nurseries were contacted for comment.