Outstanding nursery under investigation after child accident

A statement issued by nursery group Kids 1st confirms that on 4 January 2013 a child trapped its finger underneath a door at the setting in Gosford, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which is rated outstanding by Ofsted.

It was the nine-month-old's second taster session at the nursery. The incident, which Ofsted describes as 'distressing' is now being investigated by the school inspectorate.

A spokesperson for Kids 1st Day Nurseries said, ‘Everyone at Kids 1st is saddened by what has happened.

‘Following the accident staff acted swiftly and the correct first aid was implemented, all health and safety procedures were followed and the relevant authorities informed. We continue to work with the relevant authorities to help them with their investigations. We reported it (the incident) to the Health and Safety Executive, subsequently the local authority inspected the premises and they have confirmed with us that they are satisfied with their findings.’

‘Since opening in 2004, Kids 1st has had an exemplary health and safety record.’

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said, ‘We have investigated a very serious incident involving a nine-month-old baby at a privately-run nursery in Gosforth. We have conducted a thorough investigation of this incident and the policies and procedures in place at the nursery, which were found to be satisfactory.’

Rated as outstanding by Ofsted at its last inspection in 2011, the Gosford based nursery is one of nine settings owned by Kids 1st.

Kids 1st also came top in Nursery World’s Nursery Chains quality league table with six nurseries rated as 'outstanding' and three 'good'.

News of the incident follows proposals by the education and childcare minister Elizabeth Truss to reduce adult: child ratios, an idea which has been overwhelmingly opposed by providers and parents, who say it could have serious implications for child safety.