A NURSERY has been slammed by an inspectorate for having dirty toys and facilities “not fit for purpose”.

Lilliput Village Children’s Nursery, in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon, was rated as “inadequate” by Ofsted following an inspection which highlighted failings.

The nursery, operated by Sunhill Daycare (Europe) Limited, had been rated as “good” at its previous inspection in 2013.

However, the latest report published on February 17 after a visit on February 1, reads: “Children play in an environment which is not well maintained, clean or fit for purpose.

“The nursery has struggled to replace the cleaner who left a number of months ago.

“This has resulted in the premises not being kept clean.

“Some of the rooms lack appropriate resources and many of the dolls and dolls’ clothes are dirty.

“The quiet area for the older children is not well presented, preventing children from freely accessing and enjoying books.”

The report continues that some practitioners “demonstrate weak knowledge” of how to use their observations of children’s play to inform the planning of children’s next steps in learning.

However, Ofsted did praise the staff for developing good relations with the children.

The report reads: “Children form close and caring relationships with the practitioners. They approach them for cuddles and enjoy the interaction they receive from them.

“Parents are happy with the provision. They comment that their children are settled and content and enjoy attending the nursery.”

The nursery cares for 65 children between two and four years of age and has 12 members of staff.

In a letter sent home to parents, signed by Claire Brigden, assistant manager, the management said it was disappointed by the report and it already has an action plan in place which includes investing heavily in the condition of the premises with redecoration.

The letter reads: “Ofsted will return to re-inspect the premises within six months and we are confident that we will achieve recognition for the completion of this work at that stage.”