Girl, three, dies after playground accident at York nursery

The girl suffered serious injuries at a nursery at York College yesterday afternoon.

She was taken to York District Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

North Yorkshire Police said they did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.

Today, college principal Alison Birkinshaw said: “At 2.35pm yesterday the emergency services were called after a three-year-old girl suffered serious injuries in the nursery play area at York College.

“York College staff acted immediately and called the emergency services. The girl was taken to hospital, and we later heard that she had died.”

Dr Birkinshaw said: “Clearly this is absolutely devastating news for the child’s family and everyone at York College.

“Our thoughts are with the family, the children, families and staff associated with the nursery and everyone affected by this incident.

“We are doing all we can to assist the authorities with their inquiries and we will also do our utmost to support everybody involved as best as we can.”

The scene has been cordoned off while officers investigate the incident and Ofsted and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “At this stage, police do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances and it appears that the girl has become entangled in a piece of play equipment.

“The police are carrying out an investigation into the incident to establish exactly what happened and would like anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them.”

The nursery website says the facility provides full daycare provision for children aged between six weeks and five years.

It opened in 2007 and has three play rooms, each with access to a fully enclosed outdoor area.

An Ofsted inspection carried out in September 2009 said the overall quality of provision at the nursery was good.

The inspector said in the report: “Risk assessments, which cover the indoor and outdoor environment of the nursery, reduce the possibility of accidents. Children are taught to be safety conscious and they show a sound understanding of how to keep themselves safe.”

The outdoor facilities at the nursery are described as “superb”.

A spokesman from the City of York Council offered sympathies to those who knew the three-year-old girl.

He said: “All relevant agencies are aware and will be working together over the next few days.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the child and staff at the nursery.”

An Ofsted inspection carried out in September 2009 said the overall quality of provision at the college nursery was good.

The inspector said in the report: “Risk assessments, which cover the indoor and outdoor environment of the nursery, reduce the possibility of accidents.

“Children are taught to be safety conscious and they show a sound understanding of how to keep themselves safe.”

The outdoor facilities at the nursery were described as “superb”.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident is being urged to call police on 101 with information.