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Nursery Shut Down Amid Child Harm Fears
23 Jun
Summary
- Nursery registration suspended due to potential child harm risks.
- Ofsted's suspension allows for ongoing safety and suitability inquiries.
- Essex Police have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
Watership Downs, a nursery located in Maldon, Essex, has had its registration suspended by Ofsted. The education watchdog stated that there was a reasonable belief that children attending the nursery might be at risk of harm. This suspension is a temporary measure to facilitate ongoing inquiries into the concerns raised.
Essex Police have confirmed their involvement, launching a criminal investigation into the situation. While Watership Downs is the registered provider, another community interest company is reportedly in the process of taking over the setting.
The nursery, which registered with Ofsted in 2019 and cares for up to 44 children aged 0-4, faced scrutiny after a complaint in 2024 concerning premises safety and safeguarding procedures. However, an inspection in December 2025 indicated that the nursery was meeting expected standards.
