A nursery has been handed a damning report by the education watchdog over insufficient staff security checks and, at times, a lack of supervision which put children at risk.

But the manager of Bluebells Childcare Services based in Chatham said she has put in place stringent measures to meet the required standards since Ofsted’s visit last month.

The pre-school, off Street End Road, Wayfield, was rated inadequate overall in all categories, including the quality of education and leadership and management.

The inspection was prompted by “information received” about the provider and resulted in Ofsted issuing a list of welfare requirements notice.

They were critical of the manager Remilekun Ikwetie who was unable to provide evidence that enhanced DBS checks, which identify any criminal conviction, were undertaken for every member of staff working with children.

On occasions, there were not enough staff present to ensure little ones’ safety and wellbeing.

It said: “At times, children are left out of sight and sound while they are eating, which does not adequately protect children from the risk of choking.”

Staff had not had safeguarding training, overall teaching was not good enough and the curriculum was poorly planned.

Ms Ikwetie took on other roles including designated safeguard lead, special educational needs co-ordinator and chef.

This resulted in staff being left on their own for long periods of time, often busy answering phones, nappy changing and addressing children’s behaviour.

Ms Ikwetie was also found to have broken regulations by not having a named deputy at the nursery.

Since the inspection on July 19 after which Ofsted announced its intention to take enforcement action, the head has carried out a raft of improvements.

Ms Ikwetie, who has 15 years of experience in the childcare sector, said: “I have worked very hard and fast to meet the requirements. I am trying my best to make sure everything is in place for the inspectors.

“On a recent visit, they were very pleased with what they saw.”

Ofsted is due to make another inspection at a date yet to be announced.