Nursery shuts for six weeks over safety concerns

Little Dragon's Day Nursery, which first opened in 2021, was suspended by Ofsted on 28 November

A nursery rated outstanding has been forced to close for six weeks amid fears children "may be exposed to a risk of harm," the BBC understands.

Little Dragon's Day Nursery, in Snitterfield, near Stratford-upon-Avon, which caters for up to 61 children, was suspended by Ofsted on 28 November.

A spokesperson for the nursery confirmed it had been issued with a notice to suspend its registration following two incidents at the site.

Parents were being kept informed and all fees for closure days would reimbursed in full, a statement added.

"Little Dragons has always been open and transparent about our activities, and this occasion is no exception," the nursery told the BBC.

"The decision by Ofsted follows two incidents at our nursery which, whilst accidental, have prompted a proactive and thorough review of the safety and working practices which we have already began to implement."

The spokesperson said senior staff were working closely with Ofsted, the local authority and independent advisors to guarantee the nursery was a "model of excellence in childcare" going forwards.

"As a small family business who have put our all into creating an inspirational place for children to learn and develop, it is essential to us that all corrective measures are in place to enable us to reopen our doors to our families as soon as possible," they added.

Ofsted said it would not comment on individual providers.

During an inspection in November last year, the nursery, at Snitterfield Methodist Church on Bearley Road, was rated outstanding in all areas, with child wellbeing a "top priority".

The quality of teaching at the nursery was "remarkable" and staff were familiar with their role and responsibilities to safeguard children, inspectors said.

Guidance from Ofsted's enforcement policy said it reviewed suspension on an ongoing basis to consider whether there continued to be a risk of harm to children.

It added it would lift the suspension "when we are satisfied that the grounds identified for suspending a registration, generally or only in relation to particular premises, no longer apply".