A Colchester nursery which was told it required improvement by Ofsted inspectors has been given an ‘inadequate’ rating – just half a year after inspectors last visited.

Cheeky Monkeys Colchester, in William Harris Way, dropped from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ in June last year.

Inspectors returned in December to see what progress had been made, and the report published this month revealed that it has now been given an ‘inadequate’ rating – the lowest possible classification.

The report from inspector Daniella Tyler said that the teaching was variable, with staff often providing “mundane activities that lack challenge and interest for children,” which meant that “children struggle to make good progress in their learning”.

The report continued that parents had provided information about their child’s dietary requirements and allergies, but said that during the inspection staff were unsure what allergies children had.

The report added: “During the inspection children were walking around the pre-school room with food products containing ingredients that some children are allergic to.

“Staff did not take action to keep these children safe from harm. Also, lifesaving medication stored on the premises is not readily accessible to allow immediate treatment, if required.”

Following the inspection, a series of welfare requirements were outlined by Ofsted, which the nursery was tasked with solving by the end of the month.

They included an updated knowledge from all staff on safeguarding issues, including signs that a family is being drawn into extremism or female genital mutilation, improved supervision of staff so that issues are addressed immediately, and reduce the level of risks – with a particular focus on allergies and dietary requirements.

A spokesman from the nursery was unavailable for comment.

Outside of the nursery, Ofsted also visited the Fun 4 Kids at Highwoods breakfast and after school club at Highwoods School in Colchester, where it maintained its ‘good’ rating in all areas.

The report praised the club for teaching youngsters to “become extremely confident and independent” and staff were “vigilant” about safety.