A nursery in Forest Gate has been awarded Ofsted's lowest rating after an inspection.

Blossoms Academy was rated 'inadequate', a downgrade on its previous 'requires improvement' grading.

The education watchdog said teaching and learning at the Sebert Road nursery were “not good”.

In a report, an inspector wrote: “Staff do not understand how to teach children.

"For example, during a planting activity in the outdoor area, the poor organisation and lack of resources meant that children were unable to concentrate on the learning."

The report added: “Staff do not have the skills and knowledge yet to competently keep children engaged in planned activities.

"This is particularly evident for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“This has an impact on the quality of education that children receive. In addition, activities are not adapted to consider the needs of individual children.”

Speaking about the rating, Blossoms Academy area manager Emma Houghton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We were upset and shocked after our result from our most recent inspection.

“However, we have been transparent with our parents, who have been really supportive and been working closely with the local authority to ensure that we are ready for our next inspection.

“The team have worked really hard on re-training and building knowledge on the revised EYFS. We pride ourselves in our work and our parent partnerships, and will continue to strive to empower children for greatness.”

Ofsted found that staff did not have the skills and knowledge to keep children engaged, and raised concerns about kids talking over each other.

“Children arrive and immediately receive reassurance from their key person if they feel unsettled," the report said.

"However, many staff speak over each other and the children during planned activities.

“The children copy these behaviours and they do not learn how to take turns in conversations and listen to each other consistently. This has an impact on children’s behaviour and how they communicate with each other.”

The report also criticised the quality of education.

"Staff fail to build on what children know and can already do," it said.

"For example, when children become interested in their play, staff do not always use the opportunity to encourage their curiosity and spontaneously stretch children’s thinking.”

Children are able to play outdoors throughout the day in an accessible playground, Ofsted found.