Children's centre staff have been slated by inspectors in the lastest round of Ofsted checks just months after opening.

Valley Hill Nursery, Pre-School and Kid's Club in Loughton was described as ‘inadequate’ by the education watchdog as it slid into the lowest grade in the assessment chart this week.

The latest report revealed that the business, which is housed in The Football Academy in Langston Road, is not meeting national safeguarding standards.

Lisa Paisley, lead inspector, said: “Staff have a poor understanding of how to manage children's behaviour appropriately and safely, and children's and staff attendance records are not accurate.

“Activity plans and assessment of children's learning is weak, as staff lack sufficient knowledge to assess children's learning and development. This means children's progress is inadequate.”

The inspector found that a member of staff with a current paediatric first aid certificate was not on site every day.

Subsequently, a Welfare Requirements Notice has been issued.

Staff were identified as caring for the children and offering them a diverse range of snacks and food, but were further criticised over the state of the kitchen which has plaster falling from the walls and “haphazard” storage.

The centre which opened in summer 2013 and cares for children between birth and the age of 17 has been ordered to make improvements.

A complaints record must be installed as well as an appointed first aider, a behaviour management programme must be implemented and a daily record of children being cared for on the premises.

The Guardian has attempted to contact manager Keiley Pedro for comment.