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Child cruelty charge for nursery staff

Three members of staff at a Just Learning nursery in Cambridgeshire have been charged with child cruelty offences following an incident involving a 15-month-old child. The manager, deputy manager and a nursery nurse at Just Learning in Cambourne were investigated for neglect and assault after a child was injured during an incident on 2 September. Just Learning has suspended all three.
Three members of staff at a Just Learning nursery in Cambridgeshire have been charged with child cruelty offences following an incident involving a 15-month-old child.

The manager, deputy manager and a nursery nurse at Just Learning in Cambourne were investigated for neglect and assault after a child was injured during an incident on 2 September. Just Learning has suspended all three.

The case is being investigated by Cambridgeshire police. A spokeswoman said, 'I can confirm Cambridgeshire police have investigated a complaint of assault and neglect to a 15-month-old child at the Just Learning Nursery in Cambourne. Three people have been charged with child cruelty. All three were released on bail and appeared before Cambridge Magistrates' Court on 29 November.'

Ofsted re-inspected the nursery in October following the incident. A spokeswoman for Ofsted said, 'Ofsted took action to make sure that the nursery was taking appropriate measures in response to the allegations about members of staff and that it continued to meet the Government's national standards. We were satisfied on both counts.'

A spokesman for Just Learning said, 'We suspended all three members of staff on full pay following the incident. As charges have been brought, we cannot prejudice the court hearing by further comment. Ofsted re-inspected the nursery and have confirmed that they are happy it meets all their requirements.'

The case has now been adjourned until the New Year. The three staff will reappear for a committal hearing at Cambridge magistrates' court on 24 January.

Meanwhile, the 100-place nursery remains open. Just Learning is the third largest nursery chain in the UK and operates 65 nurseries with 5,630 places.