A Paisley nursery has been handed a scathing report after inspectors found that "children were not supported to feel safe, secure, and protected from harm".

Rainbow Nursery, in Fullerton Street, was graded as "unsatisfactory" for its care, play and learning, as well as for its leadership.

Officers from the Care Inspectorate who made an unannounced visit in September said they were "very concerned about aspects of care being provided" at the nursery.

Their recently published report states: "Staff did not know some children and their families sufficiently well enough to build meaningful relationships, for example, a parent had been discouraged from staying in the service to support their child to settle.

"Staff did not have all the information they needed to help support children's wellbeing. 

"For example, information gathered about children did not always correctly identify their key health professionals, and, when required, key chronology paperwork was not recorded in children's files."

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The report highlighted that procedures were not in place to evaluate the effectiveness of staff practice, knowledge, or awareness of safeguarding children.

It said: "Staff had a limited understanding of their roles and responsibilities. 

"We raised concerns with the service provider and management that the correct procedures had not been followed. 

"We found that when significant concerns had arisen, key professionals had not been correctly informed, and written records had not been completed, collated, and stored in a safe and robust manner.

"This meant there was an increased risk to children's safety."

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Inspectors also found the staff lacked confidence in "their practice and understanding of ensuring children were at the heart of decision-making".

The report added: "For example, the outside water dispenser had been put away, even though the weather was extremely hot, and children were thirsty. 

"Staff showed a lack of awareness about the need for good hydration. 
"As a result, there was a potential that children were at risk within the service."

Other concerns raised in the report included exposed nails being found in an outdoor play area and not enough staff being present during outings.

A spokesperson for Rainbow Nursery stated: "As a nursery which has, until now, received continuously high ratings from the Care Inspectorate we take the recent report and its findings very seriously.

"The safety and welfare of the children in our care are of paramount importance and on receiving the Care Inspectorate report we immediately put in place measures to address the Care Inspectorate’s concerns and ensure all recommendations are met. We are working closely with Renfrewshire Council in this regard."