Ofsted has rated a nursery “inadequate” after inspectors concluded “children’s safety and security cannot be assured”.

The watchdog said Punch and Judy Playgroup in Lympne, near Hythe, does not give youngsters a “good start to their early education”.

The site in Aldington Road, which has 26 youngsters aged two to four on its roll, was previously rated “good” by Ofsted but now has the lowest possible score.

Inspectors found most children enjoy their time at the playgroup and they arrive “eager to select their favourite toys”.

Their report also describes staff as “caring and affectionate” and says some youngsters have started to develop friendships.

But it also raises several concerns.

KentOnline has approached the pre-school for comment but has not received a response.

Ofsted’s report says the playgroup’s committee and manager have failed to complete vetting checks to ensure those who have regular contact with children are suitable to do so.

Data storage was deemed to be insecure and staff did not have a “secure understanding of their safeguarding policies and procedures”.

Inspectors say the site’s risk assessment is “not effective at identifying and minimising potential risk to children”.

“This includes the security of the premises during drop-off and collection times,” the report says.

“Furthermore, there is not a named deputy who can lead the setting in the manager's absence.”

More red flags were raised about safeguarding, including staff not being able to familiarise themselves with policies and procedures.

This means not all workers know the steps to take if they need to escalate a concern – including those relating to other staff members.

“The manager does not ensure that sensitive information is kept secure and only accessible to those who have authorised access,” the report states.

“This means that children's safety and security cannot be assured.”

The Punch and Judy has seven Google reviews, all of which give the nursery five stars, describing it as “fabulous”, “caring” and “amazing”.

But Ofsted says the curriculum is not “ambitious and well-sequenced” which means youngsters “do not receive a good start to their early education”.

“Staff do not model language well and will often stand behind children when addressing them or giving instructions,” the report adds.

“This limits the opportunities children have to observe word formation and develop their speaking skills.”

Other shortfalls include children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) not receiving the support they need to make sufficient progress.

The report says staff do not identify and respond swiftly to emerging gaps in youngster’s development.

The inspectors add: “Staff do not provide children with enough support to promote their independence.

“They routinely complete tasks rather than teaching children the techniques to master these themselves.

“For example, during mealtimes, staff open children's packets and containers instead of demonstrating techniques to enable children to become independent.

“In addition, staff do not recognise when to allow children to continue practising specific skills, such as rolling dough balls for their sculptures.

“Staff intervene and roll the ball, which does not encourage children to persevere until they succeed.”

However, Ofsted found children have opportunities to practise their physical skills, youngsters “enjoy burning their energy off in the garden” and can learn about what makes them unique.

Inspectors also found staff work in partnership with parents and share children’s progress in face-to-face events every six months.

Ofsted inspected on November 24 but published its findings on January 15.