Two York nurseries investigated and staff suspended over child welfare

Parents with children at Little Joes Day Nursery and Heworth House Day Nursery have been informed about the inquiry.

The investigation relates to the running of the organisations and the quality of care provided - there is “no suggestion” that any sexual abuse has taken place.

A joint statement from Ofsted, City of York Safeguarding Children Board, City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police confirmed they were carrying out joint inquiries into Little Joes, on Fishergate, and Heworth House, on Melrosegate.

The statement said: “The inquiries relate to the running of the nurseries, the quality of care and the welfare of children who attend the nurseries.

“City of York Council has written to all parents whose children currently attend the nurseries, to inform them of the inquiry and to assure them that they will be kept fully informed of all developments.”

It continued: “The inquiry is in the very early stages and it is therefore not appropriate to comment further at this stage, however, there is no suggestion that any sexual abuse has taken place.”

Little Joes takes children from birth to eight years old and has separate pre-school, toddler and baby units. It was last inspected by Ofsted in September 2008, when it was rated “good” overall.

The nursery has a maximum capacity for 51 children and employed nine staff at the time of the last inspection.

Heworth House was inspected by Ofsted in May this year, when it was rated “satisfactory”.

It is registered to take children from birth to five years and has a maximum capacity for 30 children. It employs nine members of staff.

The nursery’s prospectus states: “It is important to us that the children in our care receive the attention and stimulation they require, therefore the nursery consists of qualified nursery nurses and nursery assistants.

“Children’s safety and well-being is paramount, we have various policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and updated.”

Joe Cocker, safeguarding manager at the City of York Safeguarding Children Board, said “a number of staff” had been suspended after visits to the nurseries from officers carrying out the investigation.

He said some families with children at the nurseries had been contacted personally where there was a “specific concern”.

In a statement, Mr Cocker said: “All parents whose children attend the nurseries have been contacted directly, either by letter or telephone, to keep them fully informed of the investigation.

“Where there is a specific concern, families have been contacted personally.

“We are also committed to keeping parents informed of any further developments.

“As part of the investigation, both nurseries have been visited by officers from North Yorkshire Police, Ofsted and City of York Safeguarding Board.

“Following the visits, a number of staff members have been suspended by their employer pending further inquiries.”

He continued: “We are unable to comment further on the investigation at this stage. However, updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Any parents who have concerns over the Bank Holiday weekend should text their name and contact details to 07624 802244 and they will be contacted as soon as possible. Parents can also email [email protected].