Parents of youngsters at a Norfolk nursery have been assured it is committed to the safety of children, despite two incidents which have sparked concerns and official investigations.
Local people were shocked when a two-year-old girl escaped from the nursery and was found wandering on the busy road outside. Then it was revealed that at the same nursery just weeks earlier, a one-year-old baby boy was scalded by a cup of hot drink.
Officials are undertaking a “thorough review” of provision following the two incidents. A spokesman has said: “It is deeply regrettable that there have been two incidents at the day care section of the centre in such close succession, and we apologies to the children and families concerned.”
Two members of staff had been suspended while investigations continued into the scalding incident. The nursery’s safety record in the past has been good and it remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the children in its care.
Parents admitted they were shocked, but said it was unexpected at a centre known to be “hot on security”. A mother of a three-year-old girl at the nursery, said: “It’s concerning to hear and you wouldn’t expect it. The security is quite good. You have to ring a bell to get in. I’ll still be taking her there. I’ve not heard any bad things about the place before.”
Another mum who has a son at the nursery, said: “I’ve every confidence in them. They’re hot on security. They won’t let anybody go unless they are with their own mum and dad. The chairman of the School governors said: “Everyone at the school is devastated by the news that a child managed to leave the nursery building. We would all like to offer our sincere apologies to the family. While we await the outcome of the investigation we’ve taken a number of measures to even further enhance the security.”
At Norfolk County Council, the head of early years, childcare and extended schools services, said: “A thorough review of provision at the children’s centre is under way following these two separate incidents and we will be working with the school and children’s centre to ensure that health and safety policy is being fully followed.”
Health and safety arrangements in schools and nurseries were “robust” and the council offered advice and support where necessary.
Each setting has its own health and safety policy in place and Ofsted carry out regular unannounced inspections of early years providers. We will be reissuing guidance to childcare settings to ensure they are following the latest advice.
