North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that three-year-old Lydia Bishop suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled on a rope on a slide in the nursery's outdoor area yesterday (Monday 17 September).
The three-year-old was taken to York District Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The play area was last night cordoned off while officers investigated the incident and Ofsted and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were informed.
North Yorkshire Police do not believe at this stage that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Costello, of York Protecting Vulnerable Person’s Unit, said, 'This was an extremely tragic accident which unfortunately happened during Lydia’s first day at nursery.
'Her family are understandably very distressed and are being supported by specially trained police officers as they try to come to terms with their loss.
'Officers are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident with various other agencies to try and establish how this tragic event occurred.'
An Ofsted spokesperson said, 'Ofsted is aware of this tragic incident and is carrying out an investigation in conjunction with the local authority.'
The Health and Safety Executive also confirmed it is working with the police.
Rated as good by Ofsted, York College Nursery in York provides care for 112 children aged six weeks to five-years-old.
As well as caring for children of the college’s students, it also offers work placements for those studying childcare.
A statement published on York College’s website said, ‘York College is absolutely devastated at the news of the very sad death of a child, following a tragic incident at the York College Nursery yesterday. Our thoughts are with the child’s family and the children, families and staff.
‘Currently, York College staff are helping the emergency services with their enquiries and the nursery is closed today (Tuesday 18 September). Parents have been informed and will be kept updated with any further developments.’