Nursery re-opens after tragedy

Dicky Birds Nursery on Dundonald Road in Wimbledon had its registration suspended while Ofsted carried out an investigation of the setting after one of the children in its care fell unconscious and later died in hospital.

The nursery re-opened today after being closed for two weeks following the incident, which took place on 9.30am on 23 August.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that police in Merton are continuing with their investigation into the death and that no arrests have been made.

Rated good by Ofsted last year, the nursery is one of six settings in the Dicky Bird group, owned by Rachel Berry, with other nurseries in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden and Surbiton, all in South-West London.

An Ofsted spokesperson said, ‘Ofsted is aware of the tragic death of a child at Dicky Birds Nursery in Wimbledon and we are working closely with the nursery and other agencies to support their investigations.’

Rachel Berry, owner of Dicky Bird Nurseries, said, ‘On Thursday 23 August 2012 a child fell unconscious at our Dundonald Road Nursery in Wimbledon and stopped breathing.’

‘Staff at the nursery acted immediately and called an ambulance while administering CPR. The child was taken to hospital in a critical condition. We were all devastated to learn that the child later died in hospital.’

‘We are co-operating fully with the police and Ofsted to facilitate a thorough investigation. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed to us, so we cannot comment further at this stage.

‘Our thoughts are with the parents and family of the child, who have asked for complete anonymity at this incredibly painful time.’

Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson for Merton Council said, ‘Out of respect for the wishes of the family we can only confirm that a child has died following an incident at a private Wimbledon nursery. The event is being investigated by the appropriate agencies. Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.’