Preschool closed as former worker investigated

A preschool has been closed permanently as police support other agencies in investigating safeguarding concerns regarding a former employee.

Last month Orchard Pre-School and Playgroup in Lustleigh, Devon, was closed for what was initially due to be six weeks over concerns "children may be at risk of harm".

In a letter, trustees have now told parents they are "utterly devastated" to have decided to close the facility permanently. The letter said the initial suspension was "triggered by an ongoing investigation into a former employee".

Education watchdog Ofsted confirmed it was contacted by the facility on 21 May and it suspended its registration on 22 May. The school resigned its registration on 8 June, Ofsted said.

The trustees' letter, seen by the BBC, said the preschool was closing because it did not have the resources to remain open under the circumstances.

It added: "We would like to stress that there continues to be no indication of the incident involving the setting and we are fully cooperating with all agencies.

"It did not originate from any concerns being raised by a preschool member of staff or parent. We are unable to make any further comments on this matter whilst the investigation is ongoing."

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was "supporting partner agencies in relation to safeguarding concerns at a preschool in Lustleigh" and inquiries were ongoing.

Education watchdog Ofsted confirmed it was contacted by the provider on 21 May for "matters relating to safeguarding policies and procedures and suitable people".

It suspended the provider's registration on 22 May due to concerns "children may be at risk of harm".

This was followed by a site visit on 2 June.

It said: "We found the provider was not meeting requirements relating to safeguarding policies and procedures, whistleblowing, concerns abouts children's safety and welfare, suitable people, supervision of staff and information and record keeping."

The provider resigned its registration on 8 June and was no longer registered, Ofsted said.

The preschool was first registered with Ofsted in 2000 and was rated as outstanding in its most recent inspection in 2022.

The school had 11 staff during the time of the 2022 inspection.

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: "Following an investigation by Ofsted in relation to a pre-school setting in Devon, we have been working in partnership with other organisations to consider safeguarding concerns. It would not be appropriate for legal reasons to comment further at this time."

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