A Harpenden nursery has vowed to take drastic action to improve standards after a damning Ofsted inspection.

Little Stars nursery, based at Rothamsted and run by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Litd, was previously awarded “outstanding” status following a previous inspection in 2013, but a recent unannounced Ofsted visit highlighted various failings in the service provided.

These included not meeting the required adult to child ratios, maintaining accurate daily records of children’s hours of attendance, carrying out risk assessments to identify potential hazards to staff and children, providing necessary support, coaching and training to staff, and following procedures relating to children’s allergies and dietary intolerances.

Although Bright Horizons took immediate action to tackle all of these issues to Ofsted’s satisfaction, they also carried out an internal examination which led to the replacement of the manager and regional manager and a pledge to improve communications, nursing environments and learning activities.

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons told the Herts Advertiser: “We take Ofsted’s feedback very seriously and are disappointed by the issues identified during their visit.

“Our leadership team have made strenuous efforts at Little Stars nursery and we are happy to share that Ofsted re-visited the nursery and they were satisfied that all areas had been rectified.

“Our priority, as always, is the wellbeing and education of the children in our care and the partnerships we have with our parents.”