Children at a nursery are put at risk by weaknesses in safeguarding, the education watchdog has said.

Little Rockets Childcare in the Langney Shopping Centre, Eastbourne, was rated inadequate by Ofsted during an inspection in May.

The nursery was rated good in the categories of behaviour and attitudes, the quality of education and the overall effectiveness.

However, in the categories of personal development and leadership and management, as well as overall, it was rated inadequate.

Inspectors said there were weaknesses in the nursery’s recruitment and safeguarding processes.

Concerns were raised about the vetting of staff not being rigorous enough “to ensure that adults working with children are suitable to carry out the responsibilities of their role”.

“Safeguarding procedures are not rigorous enough to ensure the safety of children,” the report said.

“Gaps in recruitment processes mean that the suitability of staff to work with children cannot be assured. In addition, there are weaknesses in safeguarding practice that put children at risk.

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“Weaknesses in safeguarding processes do not ensure the safety of children.

“Furthermore, the manager and provider do not maintain accurate safeguarding records, which compromises the safety and welfare of children.

“Nevertheless, children are happy and feel safe at nursery. This is evident when they arrive with a smile on their face and confidently separate from their parents and/or carers.

“They are eager to see their friends and are familiar with the routine. For example, younger children place their lunch boxes and drink bottles on the trolley before they start to play.”

Staff were praised for being “good role models” to the “well behaved” children who were described as “respectful”.

Inspectors also praised the nursery’s curriculum with children developing well in mathematics and their communication, although the report said quieter children were not encouraged to participate in group activities.

The report said: “Staff encourage children to understand their feelings. They talk to children about the effect that their behaviour has on other children and adults.

“This supports children to be able to manage their emotions and prepares them for future learning, including the move to school.

“Staff supervise children well. They support children of all abilities, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities to play together and be kind to each other.

“Staff provide a stimulating learning environment for children and babies.”