A NURSERY downgraded by inspectors to inadequate has vowed to make improvements.

Ofsted claimed staff at Cheeky Monkeys in William Harris Way, Colchester, were not adequately engaging with children to help them develop.

The regulator rated the effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment,and outcomes for children as inadequate.

Cheeky Monkeys was told a year ago by Ofsted inspectors it required improvement.

But the nursery said in a statement: “We are all naturally disappointed by the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection that took place at the nursery.

“The report highlighted a number of positive findings and we are all encouraged by this although we recognise there is lots of work to do.

“The nursery was acquired by new owners, Welcome Nurseries, only a few days before the inspection took place but there was insufficient time for any improvements in practise to be embedded in time for the Ofsted inspection.

“The team at the nursery is committed to delivering outstanding quality childcare and we will be working hard with the new owners over the coming weeks to make the necessary improvements highlighted in the Ofsted report.

“We would like to thank the staff team who have worked so hard over the past few months and also to our parents and children for their ongoing support.”

The nursery, which has 126 children on its books and 20 staff, has until July 26 to send Ofsted evidence it has met recommended improvements.

If Ofsted disagrees improvements have been made, the nursery has six months to try to improve.

The report said: “Some staff lack the confidence to purposefully engage with children in order to help extend their communication skills.”

The report said children’s progress and readiness for school is hindered by “inconsistent teaching”.

However, strengths included the happiness of children and how quickly they settle and the strong partnerships staff have with parents.