Nursery closed after alleged sexual assault

A children's nursery was closed due to safeguarding concerns after a staff member was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

In a letter to parents, seen by the BBC, Child First in Moulton, Northampton said the report was made on 8 May, before education watchdog Ofsted closed the nursery with immediate effect the following day.

Northamptonshire Police said confirmed it had arrested a member of staff following the allegations, but said it could not comment further at this stage of its inquiry.

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

It said: "The nursery remains temporarily closed while an investigation is carried out by the police, Ofsted and the local authority designated officer.

"The wellbeing and safety of the children in our care is our highest priority."

West Northamptonshire Council, which manages children's services in the county, has been approached for comment.

In the letter to parents issued on Tuesday, 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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