NURSERY IS TOLD TO SPOT ‘RADICAL’ TOTS
Staff rapped by inspectors
STAFF at a nursery have been blasted for failing to spot which two to five-yearolds might be radicalised.
Little Ducklings pre-school was slammed in an Ofsted report for not doing enough to protect youngsters from extremism.
Its Ofsted grade plummeted after staff were warned they must learn how to spot which youngsters may be at risk of being turned into potential terrorists or suicide bombers.
But the ruling has been described as “ludicrous” by parents.
The pre-school near Brighton, which was previously rated as “outstanding”, has now been informed that it “needs improvement”.
Inspectors said: “Not all staff have a secure understanding of how to protect children who may be at risk from extreme behaviours or views.”
One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s bonkers, ludicrous.
“Of course, it’s important to stop children being radicalised but Little Ducklings hardly strikes you as a hotbed for international terrorism.” The pre-school has until the new autumn term next month to address the problem or it will not meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage and the Childcare Register.
A spokeswoman from the preschool’s management committee said they were “disappointed”.
She said: “We are working closely with the council who are supporting us to help improve our rating.
“We are also informing Ofsted of our plans, which includes refreshing staff training on safeguarding and risk.”
Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, schools and childcare providers must adhere to the “prevent” duty which means staff must be able to identify children vulnerable to radicalisation.
The Ofsted report did not say there is any evidence of radicalisation at the nursery.