Rocking Horse Nursery closed and staff arrested after children sustain unexplained injuries

The 90-place Rocking Horse Nursery in Plumtree has had its Ofsted registration suspended while police investigate how the three children, who are all aged between one and two, sustained their injuries.

The first case was reported in August after a child was taken to hospital with an unexplained fracture. The child was referred to the Children's Services Department, in line with child protection procedures, who then notified Nottinghamshire Police. Further enquiries revealed that two more children from the nursery had suffered unexplained fractures this year.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said, 'Officers have questioned five people in connection with the investigation. Two of those were arrested and subsequently released on police bail, while the remaining three were questioned under police caution.'

An Ofsted spokesperson added, 'We have received reports of a number of injuries to children attending Rocking Horse Nursery and we are working closely with other agencies to investigate and determine the circumstances. While the investigation is ongoing, we have taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of children by suspending the provider's registration. This means that the nursery is closed until further notice. We will review the situation once all investigations have been concluded.'

The setting, which was graded good in its most recent Ofsted report, is operated by directors Bryn and Jane Orme, and is one of eight settings run by Rocking Horse Nurseries Ltd.

Mr Orme said, 'This is an ongoing investigation by the police and Ofsted. We are unable to make any further comment at this time. Safe to say that we are fully co-operating with all the agencies involved.'