Ofsted shuts Caversham nurseries over safety concerns

TWO nurseries in Caversham have been closed temporarily by Ofsted over concerns around safeguarding.

Playday sites in Milestone Way and Hemdean Road notified parents on Monday evening of the closure, which Reading Borough Council has confirmed could last until February 22.

Reading Borough Council has said the suspension did not "automatically" mean the provider would be unsuitable for future care provision.

Nursery director Jan Day confirmed it would appeal the decision but provided no further comment.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said it did not comment on individual cases, but said the suspension was "standard procedure" when it had reason to believe children are potentially at risk of harm.

The council said its Family Information Service was available to assist parents who needed support in accessing alternative childcare. 

A spokesman for the council said: "The purpose of the suspension is to allow time for further enquiries to be made and/or for steps to be taken to reduce or eliminate any risk of harm."

The nursery in Hemdean Road was last inspected in 2022 and was awarded a "good" rating.