A church playgroup has been branded as “Inadequate” after concerns were raised about child safety.

Ofsted has just issued managers at Liversedge Parish Church Playgroup with notices to comply with their legal requirements after rating it as 4-Inadequate.

The report, compiled by inspector Helen Blackburn, stated: “The inspection was prioritised following concerns being raised about the provider’s ability to safeguard the children.

“This was in relation to suitable people and assessing the suitability of adults involved in the management of the setting.

“At the inspection, we found that the provider has failed to notify Ofsted of changes to the registered individuals involved in the management team, such as committee members.

“We also found that they had failed to notify Ofsted of changes to the setting’s contact details. Furthermore, we found that recruitment and vetting procedures for others involved in the setting, such as committee members are not robust enough.”

The playgroup, based at the Parish Church on Halifax Road, is run by a committee and was set up 17 years ago. It currently has 15 children on its roll.

The inspector also criticised the management team for not taking effective action to bring about improvements, adding: “Practitioners do not always use their observations and assessments to plan for children’s individual next steps.

“Practitioners’ strategies for engaging parents in their children’s learning or sharing information about the service are not always successful.”

On a positive note, she said: “Children are happy and they enjoy their time at the group. They have positive relationships with practitioners and parents are happy with the care their children receive.”

Ofsted ordered the playgroup to improve its vetting procedures, including include obtaining Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. It should minimise the risk of children leaving the premises unsupervised whilst members of the public are using the centre.

The playgroup should also improve partnerships with parents and link children’s learning with planned activities.