Provision
Nursery worker appears in court charged with sexual abuse
A 20-year-old nursery assistant has been charged with two counts of child rape following a police investigation at a Birmingham setting.
Little Stars nursery has been closed following the revelations
Paul Wilson, who worked at Little Stars Nursery for 18 months, appeared before Birmingham magistrates court on Friday morning. He was remanded in custody and will appear before the court again on 14 January.
He was arrested at his home address on Wednesday morning on suspicion of child abuse. According to press reports, Mr Wilson was arrested after a warrant was executed at his home in the Nechells part of the city on an unrelated matter. A computer and other items were seized.
Superintendent Matt Ward of West Midlands police said, ‘As a result of that unrelated warrant being executed, we recovered material which, when it was forensically examined, led us to believe a series of serious sexual offences against a child had taken place at the Little Stars nursery.'
Jayne Salt, head of CPS West Midlands complex casework unit, added, ‘Having carefully examined all of the available information which was submitted to us by the police, we have decided that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Paul Wilson with two counts of rape in relation an investigation into the Little Stars Nursery in Nechells, Birmingham. He faces two charges of oral rape of a child under 13 years, namely two or three years, on dates between 1 January 2009 and 30 July 2010.’
Little Stars Nursery, a private setting that opened in 2006, was investigated by Ofsted in August following a complaint and was issued with an action to improve its safeguarding policies and procedures. The nursery was told to ensure that its staff had appropriate qualifications, training, skills and knowledge and a programme of continuing professional development, in accordance with EYFS Welfare Requirements. However, it was graded 'good' by Ofsted following a subsequent investigation in November.
The 72-place setting has been closed temporarily while the police continue their investigation.
A helpline has been set up by the council for parents of children who are currently registered at the nursery or who have attended the setting in the past. The number is 0121 675 4806.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said, ‘We are working closely with West Midlands police and will continue to keep parents informed.'
