STAFF at a children’s nursery are celebrating after achieving a “good” rating from inspectors.

The Little Ducklings nursery in Harmsworth Crescent, Brighton, was told it “required improvement” last year.

Ofsted inspectors reported staff did not know how to protect children from extremism.

Workers were told they had to learn how to spot when youngsters may be at risk of being radicalised by family members or others.

Government inspectors at the time felt staff needed to brush up on their “safeguarding” skills.

But after a recent inspection, Ofsted has raised the nursery’s status to “good”.

Its recent report said: “Since the last inspection the new management team has worked tirelessly to make significant improvements.

“All staff have a good understanding of their responsibility to keep children safe and the procedures to follow if they have a concern about a child. Staff have improved their knowledge of wider safeguarding matters and are now able to identify if children may be at risk of extreme behaviour or views.”

Parents, according to the report, are “very happy” with the pre-school said “children have a wonderful time and come home full of joy”.

Inspectors also said staff have a sound understanding of how to support the children’s progress.

They use children’s interests to successfully provide activities that engage and motivate them.

For example, children show an interest in flowers and staff provide opportunities for children to plant seeds and discuss how they grow.

It said: “Staff engage in meaningful conversations and children share ideas and predict what may happen.”

The Ofsted inspectors commented on the well put together play area outside and the positive relationship between staff and children.

The report said: “Children spend most of their time in the carefully designed outdoor area, which allows them to take risks in their play and develop good physical skills. For example, children love to climb, balance and ride the bikes.

“Staff talk to children in a calm and respectful manner. Children behave well, as staff provide clear guidance about what is expected.

“Children enjoy talking about the ‘pre-school rules’ and show care for their environment.

“They are proud of their achievements, which are displayed around the pre-school.”

Manager Donna Payne said: “We are thrilled with this outcome. We as a team have worked consistently since returning in September 2018 to improve the standards of teaching.

“We are happy the inspector picked up on the fact we are a nurturing setting and passionate about supporting the families as well as the children.”

She promised staff will continue to offer this level of care and support for all the families.

She said: “We would like to welcome new families to come have a look around our setting to see for themselves.”

The nursery was rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in 2015 before it was picked up on its “safeguarding” issues.