A POOLE playgroup has been graded Inadequate on every level in a damning report by Ofsted inspectors.

Little Pickles playgroup, which operates from the Liberal Hall in Blandford Road, received the lowest grade possible after inspectors visited in February.

In a report just published, they said the safeguarding policy is not clear, children are experiencing poor provision in the playground, one of the two qualified first aiders was unable to demonstrate their qualification on request and children are making too little progress in their learning.

Some strengths were mentioned by inspectors who said that the children get on well with one another, staff look after the children well and understand what needs to be done to keep them safe.

Managers at the playgroup have been told they must make immediate improvements to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage by the end of April.

Some of the required steps outlined in the report include outlining a clear safeguarding policy, provide opportunities for children to improve their understanding of people and their communities, and implement regular and effective supervision meetings to improve the effectiveness of their teaching.

The playgroup, which opened in 2007, can take up to 26 two to five year olds, but currently has only 13 on their register.

One key concern outlined by Ofsted is that children are making very little progress and are not being pushed to their full potential.

Ofsted have said that the children’s confidence in performing everyday tasks is limited because staff are not giving children the chance to do things they are capable of, which in turn is not helping to prepare them for school.

A spokesman for Little Pickles said: "We are working closely with the local authority to address improvements brought up in our recent Ofsted with in the time span set out by Ofsted."