A SHAW nursery has been rated "inadequate" after a damning inspection found its "children's safety and welfare are compromised, due to weaknesses in safeguarding arrangements".

The ranking of The Rises on Hill Street has dropped from "good" in 2018 after its last review to "inadequate" following a visit on December 8.

In the four areas it was marked on, its "personal development" and "leadership and management" scored "inadequate".

The nursery's "quality of education" and "behaviour and attitudes" were placed in the category of "requires improvement".

The report said: "Children's safety and welfare are compromised, due to weaknesses in safeguarding arrangements.

"This is specifically in relation to how the provider and staff manage child protection concerns.

"Children are at risk of harm because staff lack knowledge of what to do if an allegation is made.

"That said, children settle well in the warm and friendly environment.

"There are substantial weaknesses in safeguarding practices that impact significantly on children's welfare. Staff have a poor knowledge of safeguarding.

"The provider has not ensured that staff understand the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection issue.

"Key messages about concerns are shared between staff but this information is not acted upon. "This has led to a concern not being referred to child protection agencies swiftly and compromises children's welfare.

"Leaders have a strong vision and know what they want children to achieve. However, some staff do not plan consistently to promote children's next steps in learning.

"Since the previous inspection, there has been a decline in the overall quality of the provision.

"Self-evaluation has failed to identify significant weaknesses in practice. However, the provider is committed to making improvements.

"Support for staff is not good enough to help them to develop specific skills in areas where they need it most."

There were a number of positive aspects at the nursery that the inspection discovered.

The report added: "Children are greeted at the door by staff with a smile and a hug. All children arrive happily and they are warmly welcomed each day.

"In the main, children are well motivated and enjoy activities that enthuse them.

"Staff have high expectations for children's behaviour. Older children interact nicely with each other during animated role play.

"Partnership with parents is a strength of this small and pleasant nursery."

Ofsted has told the nursery to make several changes, including to improve its safeguarding and staff training.

Following the report, Ken Minshall, whose wife owns The Rises, said a delayed referral relating to safeguarding had been found and heavily influenced the findings.

The nursery is now dealing with the situation.

Mr Minshull said: "We are regenerating our safeguarding policy and staff are doing safeguarding training.

"We have been open for more than 18 years and this is the first time we have had something go against us (in an Ofsted report)."

Mr Minshull is confident the nursery's rating will be boosted once it is inspected again within six months.