York College Nursery to close for good

York College announced on Friday (19 October 2012) that it will not be reopening its day nursery which has been closed since the tragic incident on 17 September.

Three-year-old Lydia Bishop suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled in a rope on a slide in York College Nursery’s outdoor area on her first day.

The nursery was temporarily closed following the incident and due to open this month.

A message on the college’s website says that the ‘proposal has been made in light of the complexity of the ongoing police investigation and in consultation with the local authority, the college’s Board of Corporation and Ofsted.’

A fortnight ago two members of staff were arrested and interviewed by police as part of their ongoing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Lydia Bishop’s death. They were later released on bail.

Police, Ofsted and the Health and Safety Executive are continuing with their investigation.

Parents whose children attended York College Day Nursery have been sent a letter from the Principal of York College, Dr Alison Birkinshaw, to inform them of the proposed closure.

In the letter to parents Ms Birkinshaw said, ‘I appreciate that many of you will be very disappointed by our proposal to close the nursery, and I am deeply grateful for your patience, support and loyalty over the past few weeks. This is a proposal we have made with reluctance and in full knowledge of the support parents have shown for the nursery. I know that at the very least, you will now have to manage further disruption and inconvenience. However, I would like to reiterate that we have not drawn this conclusion lightly.’