Billericay Abacus Day Nursery closed and woman arrested after 'treatment of children concerns'
BREAKING: Billericay nursery closed and woman arrested after concerns over treatment of children
A nursery in Billericay has been closed and a woman arrested after concerns over the treatment the children in its care.
Essex Police is carrying out an investigation at Abacus Day Nursery, on Orchard Avenue, Billericay, following concerns about treatment of some of the children in its care.
Detectives are working with colleagues from Essex County Council Social Care Department to investigate circumstances surrounding allegations at the Abacus Day Nursery in Orchard Avenue.
Essex Police have been informed by Ofsted that the nursery has had its registration suspended and will be closed for up to 6 weeks.
Parents with children who attend the nursery are being contacted by Essex Police to advise them of the investigation and to talk to them about any concerns they may have.
The nursery was rated 'good' by Ofsted in 2012.
Current information received by Essex Police indicates that there have been no allegations of sexual abuse at this time.
Essex Police takes the safety of children extremely seriously and will endeavour to keep parents and the community updated about the progress of the investigation as regularly as possible to ease any concerns.
A 49-year-old woman from Wickford was arrested by police at 6.30pm on Tuesday, February 18.
She was helping officers with their enquiries at a local police station and has now been released on police bail pending further enquiries until March 31.
The safeguarding and well-being of the children is a priority for all of the agencies involved and Essex Police will continue to make enquiries with parents and other people who have an association with the nursery.
Essex Police would like to appeal to anyone who may have concerns or any information which may assist the investigation to contact Essex Police’s Public Protection Unit on 01245 282103 or via 101.
The dedicated public protection telephone line will be staffed until 10pm this evening (Wednesday 19th February) and during office hours for the rest of the week. Outside these hours there will be a dedicated answerphone facility and an officer will contact anyone who leaves a message on this.
Essex Police would like to reassure the public that it takes the safeguarding of all children very seriously and will continue with share information with partner agencies in order to ensure a full and thorough investigation
Ofsted: 0300 123 1231.
Essex County Council Family Information Service: 0800 055 6874.(for details of registered childcare providers in Essex)
