Bristol children’s nursery CLOSES with immediate effect amid Ofsted investigation into safeguarding breaches

Little Big Steps Day Nursery & Pre-School in Knowle West shut its doors yesterday (November 21) after Ofsted suspended the nursery's registration.

The six-week suspension comes amid an Ofsted investigation into safeguarding breaches at the nursery, which is part of The Park Centre site in Daventry Road.

Childcare provider Partou, which operates the nursery, said implicated staff members were removed from duty with immediate effect pending the investigation.

A spokesperson for Partou told BristolWorld: “On Thursday, November 21 we advised families that Little Big Steps Day Nursery in Knowle was to close with immediate effect, following the temporary suspension by Ofsted of the nursery’s registration to practise.

“Families were advised of the nursery’s closure as soon as possible.

“The suspension follows a decision by Ofsted to investigate safeguarding breaches reported to the inspector by the nursery’s management this week.

“The breaches constitute a failure to meet the standards of care that we commit to and came to light during a routine review of procedures for training purposes.

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“Evidence of the breaches was shared with Ofsted and the nursery’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) straight away.

“Any team members directly involved from the nursery were removed from duty with immediate effect pending the investigation.

“Following a review of the material, Ofsted determined that an investigation was necessary, and therefore took the step to suspend the nursery’s registration for a period of up to six weeks.

“Ofsted will be contacting families with further information during the course of the investigation.

“We will of course be providing Ofsted with all possible support and assistance.

“We’re unable to say anything further at this point.”

Ofsted confirmed the suspension but said it does not comment on individual providers.