A NURSERY which is due to close next month has been blasted as inadequate by inspectors.

Ofsted gave the rating for the quality and standards of the early years provision at Springlands Day Nursery in Colchester following a visit.

The same rating was also given for the effectiveness of its leadership and also for the nursery’s personal development, behaviour and welfare.

Ofsted also said the quality of teaching, learning and assessment as well as outcomes for children requires improvement.

A report said children’s welfare was compromised and the registered provider “does not have a secure understanding of her role and responsibility for children”.

The report continued: “She does not ensure allegations of inappropriate staff practice are acted upon.”

Teaching quality was described as variable.

The report also revealed: “The inspector observed a member of staff holding a child down very firmly on a mattress at sleep time despite the child’s protestations.”

The incident was discussed with the provider, whose suggestions did not meet recognised guidelines.

Ofsted further criticised how the nursery identified weaknesses and managed staff performance.

However, the nursery had strengths such as in keeping parents informed about children’s play, a suitable understanding of their development and said children we kept occupied.

The inspectors told the nursery to undertake four actions covering matters including safeguarding, supervision and consistency of teaching.

Springlands Day Nursery, which is based in Shrub End Road, received a good rating last time.

Principal Catherine House was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Last month, she said Springlands would close on April 5 unless another private operator could be found.

She blamed Government policies including the national living wage, workplace pensions and the cost of background checks as among the reasons for closing the long-established nursery.