An Elstead day nursery has been graded as inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.

The inspectors said the managers and staff at Tenderlinks Day Nursery at The Pavilion, overlooking the Thursley Road recreation ground in Beacon View Road, “demonstrate they do not have a secure understanding of how to safeguard children effectively”.

The report also said: “There are weaknesses in child protection knowledge and understanding of the processes to report concerns.”

And, according to the inspectors: “The curriculum is not designed well enough to meet the needs of all children who attend.

“Staff do not consider adapting activities and experiences for children of varying levels of age and stages of development.

“Consequently very able children who have high levels of vocabulary can dominate activities, meaning other children go unnoticed and do not understand what is being taught.”

However, the report also notes: “Children are settled and have positive relationships with their friends and the staff who care for them. Staff provide planned opportunities for toddlers to explore sensory toys that capture their curiosity, with the aim of developing their concentration. Staff provide children with different activities, including a variety of opportunities to be physically active outdoors.”

The inspectors added: “Parents comment warmly about the nursery. They explain how well the staff know their children and provide experiences that they enjoy. Partnerships with parents are positive, and leaders seek their views to evaluate the service they provide.”

Tenderlinks has 27 children and is open five days a week from 7.30am throughout the year.

Farouq Khaki, managing director of Putney-based Lampard Investments Ltd, the nursery’s owner, attributed the inspection to an unannounced visit following a complaint by a “former disgruntled member of staff”.

Mr Khaki said an external investigation by Surrey County Council’s local authority designated officer found the complaint to be “unfounded”.

The nursery promptly implemented changes, including appointing a new nursery manager with more than 15 years of experience.

Upon re-inspection on November 9, Ofsted acknowledged improvements in staff knowledge, child protection procedures and safety measures. The provider, according to Ofsted, had taken necessary steps to address concerns and ensure the well-being of children.

Mr Khaki added: “We believe children in our care are settled and have positive relationships.

“Our team provide planned opportunities for the children to explore both indoor and outdoor activities, as well as promoting children’s emotional well-being.  

“Our safeguarding and risk assessments are rigid and thorough. Our parents and potential parents comment warmly about the nursery. They explain how well the staff know their children and provide experiences that they enjoy.

“We as a setting and as a team worked tirelessly to implement the changes over a short period of time in order to do what we do best – provide the best possible experience for the children in our care.”