Nursery remains shut over alleged sexual assault

A children's nursery that was closed after a staff member was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault remains shut more than six weeks on.

Child First in Moulton, Northampton, was closed by education watchdog Ofsted with immediate effect on 9 May due to safeguarding concerns.

Northamptonshire Police arrested a member of staff following the allegations but they were released on bail and said inquiries continued. The force has not confirmed where the offence was alleged to have been committed, or whether it was at the nursery.

Child First Moulton has said it is "fully cooperating with the authorities".

West Northamptonshire Council, which manages children's services in the county, confirmed the site remained closed but did not elaborate on if or when it would reopen.

Ofsted said it did not comment on individual providers, but confirmed it continued "to work with other agencies, including the police."

In the letter to parents issued soon after the nursery closed, Angela Green, the manager of the nursery, wrote: "We want you all as parents to know that during this period the team has followed all procedures and liaised with all outside professionals as per our policies and procedures to ensure the investigation runs smoothly."

Ms Green added that efforts were being made to help families to find alternative childcare arrangements and said that it could not comment further "due to the nature of the investigation and active legal proceedings".

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