A "chaotic" nursery is failing to protect children's welfare and health, according to a report.

Ofsted Inspectors concluded Rainbow Kids Nursery in Malmesbury Road, South Woodford, was inadequate.

The nursery, which looks after 36 children aged three months to eight, was previously rated good.

Inspector Caroline Preston said some staff had not received enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, which "compromises children’s welfare and the care they receive".

Staff were also criticised for failing to provide adequate supervision and were said to lack the skills to manage children's behaviour.

They were described as possessing limited understanding of the nursery's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Ofsted accused the nursery of "compromising children's health", with dirty equipment and unhealthy food.

Susan Fisher, who has managed the nursery, for three years, refused to comment on why standards had declined and admitted to not being present on the day of the inspection in May.

She defended the nursery, vowed to raise standards and insisted all staff were properly checked.

For more on this story, see this week's Wanstead & Woodford Guardian - out Thursday.