Paul Wilson, who worked at Little Stars Nursery for 18 months, appeared before Birmingham magistrates court last Friday after being arrested at his home address on Wednesday morning on suspicion of child abuse. He was remanded in custody and will appear before the court again on 14 January.
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, '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 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 to an investigation into the Little Stars Nursery. 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, a private nursery 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.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said, 'We are working closely with West Midlands police and will continue to keep parents informed.'