Nursery closes days after assault investigation dropped by police

It’s the Little Things Children’s Day Nursery in Maghull closed on 29 April after five months of investigation for ‘a small number of assaults’ at the setting.

Merseyside Police released a statement on 25 April, after conducting a five-month investigation in partnership with Ofsted and Sefton Council’s Safeguarding Services from November last year. The nursery’s registration was initially suspended but the setting re-opened in December.

The statement said, ‘Merseyside Police can confirm that the criminal investigation into assault allegations at a nursery in Maghull has now been completed. ??

‘The matter was investigated and the decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that no further action will be taken. The criminal investigation has been filed pending any further information coming to light. The investigation was carried out in partnership with Sefton Safeguarding Services and OFSTED.’

Sefton Council reported that the nursery had gone into liquidation.

An Ofsted spokesperson said, ‘This nursery’s registration was suspended in November 2015 in response to safeguarding concerns. Following an initial investigation the suspension was lifted in December 2015. A wider investigation, alongside other statutory agencies, was ongoing. However, we have recently been informed that the company has gone into liquidation and the nursery ceased operating from 29 April 2016.’

The nursery was set in the middle of a 42-acre private estate in Maghull.

Last week co-owner Scott McCubbin thanked parents and staff for their support.

He said, ‘We're pleased to hear the police investigation has concluded and there will be no further action.

‘We'd like to thank our staff and parents for their loyalty throughout this difficult time.’