A PRE-SCHOOL in Poole has had its nursery registration suspended whilst an investigation is carried out into “how children’s behaviour is dealt with”.

Harbour Hill Pre-School, on Fernside Road, which offers child care for children aged two to four, has been closed down until September 12, following reports to Ofsted by a member of the public.

A letter placed in the pre-school’s window, titled Notice of Suspension, stated that Ofsted was “currently investigating their belief that a child may be exposed to a risk of harm”.

It added that Ofsted “would take any necessary steps to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm”.

Ofsted inspects and regulates services which care for children and young people and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

A spokesperson for Ofsted said: “We have suspended the nursery registration because we are looking into reports of how children’s behaviour is dealt with.

“We are insp-ecting the nursery to make sure that it pro-vides a safe environ-ment for children. “We will only lift the sus-pension when we are satisfied that children are no longer at risk.

“The nursery is suspended for an initial period of six weeks, up to September 12. If necessary, this may be extended.”

When the Daily Echo rang Harbour Hill Pre-School, a man who did not want to be named said: “We can’t comment any further at this time, as we are waiting for the reports back from Ofsted.

“We will wait to see what they have to say.”

Two plaques by the pre-school’s front door state it was rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted inspectors in both 2009 and 2010.

 

Vicky Wales head of children, young people and learning at the Borough of Poole, said: “The local authority has a duty, under the Childcare Act 2006, to provide information, advice and training to childcare providers and will work with Harbour Hill Nursery to meet actions or areas for improvement identified by Ofsted during this process.”
She added: “A priority for the Local Authority at this time is to work with families in order to enable them to make alternative childcare arrangements.”
For more infor mationon childcare availability, parents should contact the Family Information Service on 01202 261999 or visit boroughofpoole.com/
familyinformationservice