A “messy and chaotic” pre-school has been rated inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.

Woolston Adventure pre-school on Church Road in Southampton was criticised as "poorly managed".

A report reveals the watchdog uncovered "significant breaches" of welfare requirements relating to inspectors not being able to check if committee members were suitable. This is because they were not given the right information to carry out checks.

Inspectors said that while committee members have little direct contact with children, they do participate in meetings and discussions that contain personal and confidential information.

The nursery was rated inadequate in all areas - except for overall effectiveness - at the inspection.

The pre-school has now been taken over by Shore Preschool.

READ MORE: All the schools rated 'inadequate' or 'requires improvement' by Ofsted

A spokesperson from Woolston Adventure Pre-school said: “At the time of the Ofsted inspection some of the paperwork was still being processed and this was taking longer than anticipated.

“All our committee members are committed to ensure that welfare requirements are met and to a high standard.”

Inspectors also found that the environment quickly became messy when staff did not clean up after the children.

The report said: “Staff do not ensure that toys are tidied up when children have finished playing with them.

“The environment inside quickly becomes messy and chaotic, with a large number of small toys covering the floor This creates significant hazards for children and staff.”

Ofsted found a high number of staff went on their break during children’s lunchtime which left several staff struggling to support all the children’s needs.

READ MORE: School 'on a journey to improve' after low Ofsted rating

The pre-school was praised for its friendly and welcoming staff who support children’s interests and their development.

The report added: "Children happily make cakes in the sandpit and waffles in the mud kitchen.

"Staff ask them how much it would be to buy a waffle and talk to the children about money, introducing number and value."