Northumbria Police has confirmed that two women from Ashfield Nursery and Early Learning Centre in Tyne & Wear, part of the Ashfield Nursery group, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud through abuse of position, and bailed pending further enquiries.
Their arrest follows an investigation by police into allegations of fraud reported by the nursery, in October. The nursery is based in the grounds of South Tyneside District Hospital.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said, ‘On October 16 2014 police received a report of a theft from Ashfield Nursery on Harton Lane in South Shields.
‘Two women aged 36 and 33 were arrested in connection with the investigation and have now been bailed pending further enquiries.’
The 72-place nursery, rated good by Ofsted in its last inspection, is one of three settings owned by Ashfield Nursery group.
Nursery World has contacted the nursery group for a comment.