A nursery has been given the second lowest possible rating by the national watchdog for education after a 'wetting incident' during an inspection.

Kids Inc Day Nursery, in South Woodford, was rated ‘good’ in three of five inspection criteria, however fell to ‘requires improvement’ overall after Ofsted inspectors criticised leadership and child development.

The report, published on February 3, was largely complimentary of the nursery.

Staff were praised by Ofsted inspector Pauline Valentine-Coker for providing a “warm, welcoming environment.”

Valentine-Coker wrote: “Staff are kind, caring and positive role models.

“Children were found to feel safe and secure. They enjoy a wide range of activities and are happy and keen to attend… For instance, they are delighted when staff play alongside them, adding to their enjoyment.”

The environment was described as “stimulating” and the ‘well behaved’ children, were said to show positive attitudes to their learning.

Children were involved in planning activities, which encouraged them to be motivated in their learning and play.

However, staff were criticised for ‘not following the nursery’s toilet training policy’ after a child wet themselves during the inspection.

In a letter to parents, Stevie Deeble, senior manager for Kids Inc, said the incident was not indicative of normal practice and had only occurred as a parent, who had started potty training their child, advised one staff member, who failed to pass on the information.

He said: “Unfortunately, the information was not passed on to her colleagues, who believed the child to still be in nappies. He was therefore not taken to the toilet every 20 minutes as per our policy when children are potty training. Regrettably, this was only notices after a wetting incident.

“This is not a usual occurrence and we are very upset and sorry that this occurred.”

The nursery was also criticised for not enhancing opportunities for children's independence after Valentine-Coker noted staff assisting children pour cups of water and cut up their lunch.

In response, Stevie Deeble said: “Whilst we encourage children to ‘self-serve’, particularly from the age of two years, we do still give them assistance when we believe they need it.

“We do not want children to be set up to fail by expecting them to do something they are not yet able to achieve. We do not want children to choke on food that is not cut appropriately for their age and stage of development.”

The nursery is welcoming parent’s feedback on the practice of self-serving.