A Maidstone private school has been berated by inspectors for substantial failings in its safeguarding role.

Shernold School, in Hill Place, off Queens Avenue, did not check if teachers were banned from the profession and provided play equipment with nails protruding at eye-level.

The preparatory school was rated inadequate by Ofsted, which was particularly critical of the leadership structure which means no one is in overall control.

Shernold has 150 pupils and costs between £6,525 and £7,425.

Pre-employment checks were found to not be in place.

The report, published today, reads: "Leaders and managers have not ensured that pupils are safe. They do not know or fulfil their statutory safeguarding responsibilities.

"There are serious weaknesses in the pre-employment checks regarding the suitability of staff. Checks on whether a teacher has been prohibited from teaching have not been conducted.

"There are serious weaknesses in the pre-employment checks regarding the suitability of staff. Checks on whether a teacher has been prohibited from teaching have not been conducted" — Ofsted

"The school does not comply with the statutory guidance regarding disqualification.

"No one in the school has carried out the mandatory safer recruitment training.

"The single central register that records details of all staff employed at the school is missing vital information.

"As a result, it is an inadequate tool in ensuring that pupils are kept safe."

A number of parents got in touch with the education watchdog to raise concerns about the lack of accountability.

An inspector wrote: "Although there is a 'headteacher', her role is limited to ensuring effective teaching and learning. Other senior leadership roles are not sufficiently elevated to mitigate this weakness, so no one has clear oversight or responsibility for what needs to be done.

"As a result, key aspects of the schools work are overlooked. This fragmented and unclear leadership has had a negative impact on the overall culture of the school, leading to a lack of confidence from parents."

The school was given a rating of good in 2010 but issues flagged up then haven't been addressed including the lack of a suitable medical room.

Poor maintenance and a complaints and admissions policy which don't apply by guidelines were also highlighted.

The school was rated inadequate for effectiveness of leadership and management; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and early years provision.

While quality of teaching, learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils were rated as good.

The school has been approached for comment.