A nursery in Reading has been given a damning verdict that the children attending it are ‘at risk’ according to an education watchdog.

The Lodge at Coley is day nursery based in the grounds of St Mary & All Saints CofE Primary School in Wensley Road, Coley.

It has recently been rated as ‘inadequate’ by education inspection body Ofsted.

An inspector raised serious concerns, observing that staff did not conduct a proper headcount of children, leaving one child outside in the garden unsupervised.

Staff were also criticised for poor supervision during lunchtimes, which ‘compromised’ the health of the children in their care.

READ MORE: Conversion of registrars into 85 place nursery approved

The inspector’s report states: “Although children wash their hands before eating, lunchtime is lengthy and does not run smoothly.

“This results in children wandering off and playing before returning to the table for pudding with unclean hands.

“Children with known allergies are provided with appropriate foods suited to their needs.

“However, some children’s health is put at significant risk as they pick up and eat foods that have been dropped on the floor.

“This does not support their health or help them to gain an awareness of good hygiene practices to be followed.”

Additionally, the inspector reported seeing children put too much food in their mouths, which could pose a choking hazard.

However, staff were praised for the trust children put in them.

The report states: “Children show they are happy with the staff, as they approach them for cuddles if they need comfort or reassurance throughout the day.”

READ MORE: Ofsted reports in Reading so far in 2022 

While children did receive praise and encouragement from staff, oversight of behaviour was judged as inadequate.

The report states: “There are many occasions that children do not behave well, and staff are seen to ignore many incidents of poor behaviour.

“For example, children are seen snatching, hitting and pulling toys from others, despite staff sitting with them.

“This does not fully support children to begin to learn about how to manage their feelings. ”

Tracy Bartholomew, the inspector who conducted the visit, laid out a plan of improvements that the nursery should have enacted by the end of July.

These involved making sure staff are aware of their safeguarding duties, ensuring children are supervised at all times and make sure their behaviour is managed appropriately.

The nursery is run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), Reading Borough Council’s childrens services company.

A spokesperson for BFfC said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection of The Lodge at Coley but fully accept the findings in the inspector’s report.

“Immediate action was taken following the inspection to ensure that the nursery provided safe and appropriate care.

“Improvement actions identified by Ofsted were completed swiftly and a robust action plan is in place to further improve the quality of provision.

“The nursery is a term time only provision providing care for a small number of children.

“Five children are registered to attend from September.

“We are communicating with parents on the improvement action taken ahead of the new term to provide assurance as to the quality of the care which will be provided from September.

“Ofsted re-inspects within six months of their initial visit and we are confident that they will find The Lodge much improved when the nursery is re-inspected.”

The inspection was conducted on Thursday, June 30, and published this month.