A PRE-SCHOOL has been shut by Ofsted and a person has been arrested as police investigate a “criminal allegation” at the setting.

The Montessori Pre-school based at Christchurch Infants, in Addiscombe Road, has had its registration suspended by Ofsted as police investigate.

Three plain clothed detectives were seen at the site on Thursday, October 3, before the setting shut the following day.

It was said the pre-school informed parents to collect their children and has not reopened since.

Dorset Police emphasised that the allegation relates to The Montessori Pre-school and is not linked to Christchurch Infant School, which operates independently.

A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

The pre-school only registered with Ofsted in August after changing name and location from Parkfield Montessori Pre-school based at Parkfield School.

It was previously reported that Parkfield School, in Christchurch, would be gradually closing the premises between August 2024 and August 2025, remaining open for only year 11 students.

The pre-school announced the move in June with the setting officially opening in September.

It said in a social media post: “We are very happy to announce that the new classroom is ready and has been registered by Ofsted.

“We are set to open on Monday 9th September in our new home at Christchurch Infants.”

However, the former Parkfield Montessori Pre-school website has been shut down with no sign of a replacement under the new name.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We can confirm we are liaising with partners as we investigate a criminal allegation linked to The Montessori Pre-school in Addiscombe Road in Christchurch.

“Ofsted has subsequently made the decision to suspend the registration of the pre-school while enquiries remain ongoing.

“We can confirm that the investigation relates to the pre-school setting and is not linked to the Christchurch Infant School, which operates independently.

“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

"For operational reasons we are unable to go into any further details at this time.”

The Montessori Preschool and Ofsted have been contacted for a comment.