AN underperforming pre-school has been heavily criticised and placed in special measures after a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

A* Pre-School, in London Road, Purfleet was described as inadequate, with unchecked volunteers supervising children and compromising their safety, a poor standard of education provided to children and a lack of support for childrens learning needs.

Inspector Claire Parnell said the facility, that was only established this year, also needed to improve its hygiene practices.

The strengths at the school included children showing a genuine interest in resources due to staff's attention to detail when playing inside and children who speak English as a second language are supported well.

The inspection was brought forward due to concerns about the safety of children in the outside area and their access to hazards, a problem that has now been remedied.

The pre-school will be re-inspected in the next six months.