A Wickford nursery is appealing after being rated inadequate in a recent inspection.

Ofsted visited the One Step Ahead nursery, Nevendon Playcentre, Nevendon Road and awarded the nursery the lowest possible rating.

It was rated as inadequate in 2013 but had improved to receive a good rating in 2014 before dropping back down.

The damning report labelled all areas as inadequate.

These included leadership and management, the quality of teaching and learning, development, behaviour and outcomes for children.

Manager Donna Doyle said: “On behalf of the One Step Ahead team we would like to say how disappointed we are with the inspection outcome.

“As a team we feel we were not given a fair chance as everything went very well and the inspector had positive feedback all day.

“We have made an official complaint in writing to Ofsted which, as we speak, is being investigated by an impartial inspector.

“We have been informed that a decision will be made on the appeal by August 22.

“We have been serving the community for many years and know we do a great job and will continue to do so.”

Although the nursery was praised for providing the children with a sense of independence and giving children the opportunity to be active outdoors, it was criticised for a lack of assessment of the children’s learning.

The report also stated there was a lack of information offered to parents about how children were doing.

Staff were also criticised for not sufficiently monitoring teaching methods in a way that would help it improve.

Staff at the home claimed a council development officer had provided positive feedback.