A nursery has been rated inadequate by inspectors after it found a deputy manager was not ‘suitably experience or qualified’ to take charge in the manager’s absence.

A report released yesterday by Ofsted into quality and standards at Pencil Pots Day Nursery, in The Drive, Ilford, showed that the deputy manager, who remains unnamed, lacked a ‘secure understanding’ of their role and responsibilities.

A high staff turnover was also reported, leading to ‘inconsistency’ in educational support.

The report said: “The provider does not make certain that the named deputy is sufficiently experienced and qualified to take on the lead role in the absence of the manager.

“This is a breach of requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This has a significant impact on the quality of the nursery provision.”

According to the report published following an inspection in November, children’s learning and development was found to be not affectively promoted and they lacked the challenge and opportunity to gain independence.

However, children were said to have formed strong emotional attachments with their allocated carer, and health and risk assessments were maintained.

The £45-a-day nursery, which opened in 2012, is situated in a two-storey converted house and employs seven members of staff for 16 children.

The Guardian is awaiting comment from the nursery.