Nursery to stay closed after sexual assault arrest

Child First in Moulton was shut on 9 May due to safeguarding concerns

A nursery that closed when a staff member was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault nearly three months ago said it would not reopen.

Child First Nursery in Moulton, Northampton was shut by watchdog Ofsted on 9 May due to safeguarding concerns.

Northamptonshire Police previously arrested a member of staff, who were later released on bail while inquiries continued.

A spokesperson for Child First said: "It was always our intention to reopen. However, with the investigation ongoing, we believe this is the best course of action to end any uncertainty for all those impacted."

Police have not confirmed where the offence was alleged to have taken place.

The childcare setting was last inspected by Ofsted last year, when it was given a good rating.

The provider runs five nurseries across Aylesbury, Northampton and Banbury and Bicester.

At the time of the immediate closure, a spokesperson for Ofsted said: "Children's safety is our priority and we suspended this nursery on 9 May because we had reasonable cause to believe that children may be exposed to a risk of harm."

A spokesperson for Child First said it had apologised to parents over the closure and offered support to find alternative childcare arrangements.

It said: "We have taken the very difficult decision to permanently close the nursery.

"We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation."

It said staff would be offered new roles across its other nurseries or will be supported to find a new role elsewhere.

"We appreciate the support shown by our families and our staff team during this time.

"The safety and welfare of the children in our care has always been our highest priority."