Inspectors have announced they are pleased with improvements made by a nursery following a damning report.

Little Pickles Nursery, in White Ash Green, Halstead, was branded inadequate by Ofsted in October, only seven months after being rated “effective” by inspectors.

But the nursery has now been told it will no longer be subject to monitoring after a follow-up visit was carried out last month.

Ofsted national director Susan Gregory said: “At the monitoring visit on December 12 there was marked improvement in the way opportunities for play and activities in the outside area are planned for and promoted.

“Exciting new resources have been added to inspire and engage children in all areas of learning.

“You continue to meet the actions raised and have effective systems in place to drive improvement.

“Therefore, no further monitoring is required.”

Little Pickles, which has 102 children attending its site on weekdays, had lodged an official complaint against October’s Ofsted verdict.

Co-manager Julie Turner said: “We are very happy and it is all heading in the right direction - we are really pleased.”