A nursery in Northamptonshire has now shut down for good after a staff member was arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault. Neve Gordon-Farleigh, who is affiliated with the childcare center, announced that the nursery has closed for good. This represents an important win almost three months after its loud and abrasive shutdown.
The nursery initially closed on May 9 after officials detained the employee due to fears for children’s safety. Ofsted’s last inspection found that the nursery was “good.” This rating is a direct indication of the long-standing lack of substantive care and oversight at this facility. More than the lack of communication, the recent allegations forced an immediate reckoning of the foundation’s operations.
First, the organization that operates the nursery along with four others in Aylesbury, Northampton, Banbury, and Bicester, announced the decision to close permanently.
“We have taken the very difficult decision to permanently close the nursery,” – Child First spokesperson.
The spokesperson further stated that the advocacy organization had originally planned to reopen, but reversed their plans after learning the investigation was still active.
“It was always our intention to reopen. However, with the investigation ongoing, we believe this is the best course of action to end any uncertainty for all those impacted,” – Child First spokesperson.
An Ofsted spokesperson tweeted that keeping children safe was at the heart of everything they do.
“Children’s safety is our priority and we suspended this nursery on 9 May because we had reasonable cause to believe that children may be exposed to a risk of harm,” – Ofsted spokesperson.
The sudden closure has forced parents to look for other childcare options while they moor through this uneasy time. Childcare facilities continuing to experience growing pressures for safety assurance and quality. This decision is particularly welcome against the backdrop of credible allegations of corruption, abuse, and other misconduct that have shaken public trust.
