A woman in her 30s has been arrested after a child was allegedly assaulted at Fun Farm Nursery in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, with Ofsted suspending the nursery’s registration
A police probe is underway following an alleged non-sexual assault involving a child at a UK nursery. Lincolnshire Police were alerted on Tuesday, June 23, to an incident of assault on a child at the Fun Farm Nursery on Stephenson Road, North Hykeham.
The investigation continues and Ofsted has provisionally suspended the nursery’s licence for a six-week period. A woman in her 30s has been apprehended in relation to the incident and remains in police custody.
An update from the force states: “We are aware of speculation circulating online suggesting this incident involved a sexual assault.”, reports Lincolnshire Live.
“At this stage of our enquiries, there is no information to indicate that a sexual assault has taken place. We recognise this will be a concerning time for parents and carers; however, we would like to stress that speculation can be harmful and may impact our investigation.”
The force confirms it will be collaborating with Lincolnshire County Council’s Local Authority Designated Officer and Ofsted as part of its enquiries.
A spokesperson for Ofsted has confirmed to Lincolnshire Live that the nursery’s registration has been suspended because the organisation has “reasonable belief that children may be at risk of harm”.
Parents with children at the Fun Farm Nursery were notified on Wednesday, June 24, that the site has had to shut due to an alleged safeguarding violation.
The suspension commenced on Wednesday, June 24, and is set to continue for six weeks, concluding on Tuesday, August 4.
A message was posted by the nursery in its WhatsApp group, followed by an email containing a letter outlining the circumstances.
In the message, the nursery declared: “We need to inform all our parents/carers that OFSTED have suspended our registration immediately.
“This is due to an isolated incident that they want to investigate further. Unfortunately we can not elaborate further on the incident.
“This was an alleged safeguarding breach between one member of staff and one child.
“Which we believe was completely out of our control unfortunately we need to let Ofsted investigate the allegation and unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that we are unable to offer care to our wonderful families for the next week or so during the suspension.
“Local authority will be in contact with you to offer support with childcare.”
The nursery revealed that it is also exploring the possibility of providing places at its city nursery site, while the Fun Farm Play Area will continue operating as usual.