Staff have been left “shocked and upset” after an “unfair” Ofsted inspection led to their nursery being branded “inadequate”, says the centre manager.

Curious Explorers Nursery and Preschool in Broadstairs, which was previously deemed 'good', was downgraded to the lowest possible ranking after officials found the “quality of education provided was poor” and "children were not adequately protected”.

But manager Anastasia Antoniou disagrees, and says the unannounced visit by the education watchdog was like nothing she had ever seen in her career.

“We’re extremely disappointed, and the owner is very upset," said Ms Antoniou.

"We’ve had inspections for 18 years and not once have we had anything like this - it was quite a shock.

“Due to a personal matter, the owner and I were unable to get the classroom ready the evening before like we usually do, so when the inspector arrived unexpectedly things were not set up.

“The report was a snapshot view and the inspector was unwilling to investigate further about what we do on an everyday basis."

Ms Antoniou says that despite offering on several occasions to show the inspector written evidence of the progress children at Curious Explorers had made, the official refused to consider it.

“I’ve had harsh inspectors before, but they were always willing to see other evidence and hear an explanation, but this particular inspector just did not want to listen - she had made her decision,” she said.

Although the nursery did not make a complaint about the inspector or the inspection at the time, Ms Antoniou argues the findings do not accurately reflect the work of her staff.

The report published on Thursday says children at the preschool, located on the grounds of Bromstone Junior School at Rumfields Road, were “not provided with consistently high-quality teaching or learning opportunities”.

Playtime resources are described as “sparse” and concerns are also raised over children’s health.

“Staff do not follow administration of medication procedures appropriately," it says.

“Leaders have not ensured there is a staff member always present who has completed paediatric first-aid training and holds a relevant certificate.

“This does not adequately ensure children are safeguarded effectively."

Ms Antoniou has accused the Ofsted inspector of “targeting” an inexperienced volunteer to answer questions and says the issues raised about children’s health are a matter of “a couple bits of paperwork”.

“Out of all of our medical records, there were two places where a parent had not initialled a form, on two occasions,” said the educator.

“The inspector also targeted our volunteer, who unfortunately wasn’t as confident as I would have been answering questions - and asked her about things that only come with experience."

The administrator described the poor rating as a “difficult pill to swallow” and says it has had an effect on her well-being.

“You always feel disappointed when your hard work goes unnoticed and just over a couple bits of paperwork and the unfortunate situation of me not being there to set up," she said.

“But we’ll be reinspected within six months and we’ll be back to our usual grade."

When asked to address Ms Antoniou's claims, an Ofsted spokesperson said: “Our inspection report speaks for itself”.