Children do not always have access to hygienic toilet facilities at a “chaotic” and “dirty” nursery, a damning report has found.

Ofsted inspectors said the safety of children at Cheeky Little Monkeys Nursery in Hailsham is “significantly” compromised, the behaviour of children is “poor” and some areas of the nursery are dirty.

The report revealed children do not often have access to clean water or soap and have to use a “dirty portable toilet”.

The nursery, in Hailsham Baptist Church, Market Street, was given the lowest rating of inadequate by Ofsted following an inspection in June.

It was previously rated good.

“Some areas of the nursery are dirty, such as the carpets and soft furnishings. In addition, children do not always have access to appropriate, hygienic toilet and handwashing facilities,” said the report.

“For example, they often use a dirty portable toilet and do not have access to clean water or soap. Some children do not wash their hands before meals. This often goes unnoticed by staff due to the chaotic environment.”

Because of a lack of engaging activities children are left to amuse themselves, the report said, which leads to “inappropriate behaviour” and children getting into altercations and hurting each other climbing furniture.

“They do not have stimulating activities to captivate their attention,” the report said.

“Therefore, children spend their time trying to amuse themselves.

“This results in inappropriate behaviour. For example, children hurt each other and others by climbing dangerously on furniture. Although staff intervene, they are overwhelmed by the amount of challenging behaviour. As a result, a lot of altercations between children go unnoticed.”

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Another concern raised in the report was that appropriate recruitment and vetting checks are not carried out for all staff before they start their employment.

“There are significant weaknesses at this nursery,” the report said.

“Breaches to the safeguarding and welfare requirements have an impact on children's safety, learning and well-being.

“Oversight of the nursery is insufficient. Due to this, managers and staff do not always recognise when children may be at risk of abuse or neglect and do not take prompt action to protect them.

“In addition, all staff are not vetted appropriately to ensure that they are suitable to have access to children and their families. This compromises children's safety.

“Staff do not receive adequate training or support to plan effective learning experiences.”

Inspectors also said children do not make the progress they are capable of in their learning because of the “poor” quality of education provided.

“Children do not have access to learning that is well planned or sequenced to meet their individual needs. Children are disengaged and often wander around the environment, flitting from activity to activity,” the report said.

Despite the nursery’s “significant failings” inspectors praised staff for being “kind and caring” towards the children in their care.

“They work hard to develop positive relationships with children, helping them to develop secure attachments and feel comfortable in the nursery,” the report said.

Cheeky Little Monkeys was contacted for comment.