Nursery closure extended six weeks by Ofsted

A nursery which was closed in July due to safeguarding concerns, has had its suspension extended for another six weeks.

Bright Horizons Nursery, which is based at Furness General Hospital in Barrow-in-Furness, shut on 22 July after the suspension by Ofsted.

A notice from the education watchdog, posted on the nursery's door, said it had been shut because there was "reasonable belief that children may be at risk of harm".

Ofsted has now confirmed the suspension will continue until 24 November. A spokesperson for the nursery said they were "sorry for the disruption it has caused" and could not confirm a reopening date at this stage.

When the facility shut in July, Ofsted said the purpose of the suspension was "to allow inquiries to be completed in relation to the concerns" and it could not give further details at this stage.

Bright Horizons said: "We understand the very real impact this continued closure is having on our families and we are sorry for the disruption it has caused.

"We are not able to provide a definitive reopening date at this stage, as any reopening remains dependent on that process.

"Children's safety is always our top priority and we are focused on completing the required actions and welfare requirements by the end of the month."

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