Directors of an Appleby nursery, closed at short notice by Ofsted and now reopened, described the episode as having been “frustrating and emotional”.
Directors of the nursery this week shone some light on the reasons for the closure and their delight that the suspension had been lifted.
A statement from the directors read: “Welcoming the children and the parents back was fantastic.
“The closure arose from an alleged breach of safeguarding regulations. After meeting with Ofsted and them investigating the issue, we have now added to our safeguarding policy how we verify people asking for information over the telephone, so that this situation never happens again.
“Safeguarding children is of paramount importance and continues to be so at Shining Stars Nursery, as is the wellbeing of all our fantastic staff.”
Paying tribute to the children’s parents and wider community, the statement added: “The support from parents and the community has been amazing and we can’t thank them enough.
“We would also like to thank the National Day Nurseries Association for their advice, support and guidance throughout this very difficult time, plus other nursery managers and headteachers who got in touch to offer their support.
“The nursery suspension has been very frustrating and emotional but now that we are open again, we are looking forward and continuing to improve the nursery by adding an outside classroom so that children can go out in all weathers.”
Shining Stars Nursery was set up in 2014.
According to Companies House, Samantha Jane and Martyn John Alderson are directors of the nursery, and it employs 11 people.
It was last inspected by Ofsted in January, 2020, and was given a good rating. At that time, it was caring for 50 children.
