Investigation continues following alleged abuse at Torquay nursery

An investigation into alleged abuse at a Torquay nursery continues.

Police received information relating to allegations of sexual assault the nursery on 29th July of this year.

One person, a male, was arrested in connection to the incident and has since been released on police bail until 2020, with conditions which include not to attend the area of the nursery. This person has since moved out of the force area whilst the investigation continues.

A multi-agency response involving Police, Local Authority, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and Ofsted, was launched to investigate the allegation of sexual assault.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector James Stock, of the Public Protection Unit said: “Since the information was received in July, a police investigation has been ongoing. As part of this, over 250 hours of CCTV from within Jack and Jill Childcare have been reviewed.

“As a result of CCTV enquires, a number of children aged 2+ have been identified as potential victims of contact offences.

“We have now contacted all parents and guardians of children who attended Jack and Jill Childcare in relation to our investigation. Specialist officers from the Public Protection Unit and our colleagues from social services, have visited the parents and guardians of those children we believe may be victims. They will continue to receive multi-agency support in the coming days, weeks and months.

“The contact appears to be limited to within the nursery setting and we do not believe that any other member of staff had knowledge of these matters. These appear to be the actions of a lone individual, and the offences do not involve the taking or distributing of any images.”

A/DCI Stock continued: “I can provide reassurance that the individual concerned was immediately removed from the setting and given strict bail conditions as part of their release from Police custody. They have since been moved out of the force area whilst the investigation continues.

“Following further investigation, a number of concerns around safeguarding matters were raised by Police to partner agencies. Ofsted subsequently made the decision to suspend the licence of the nursery whilst they further investigate those concerns.
“We will continue to work with our partner agencies and those affected by these matters to progress this investigation.”

Nancy Meehan, Deputy Director from Torbay children’s Services, said: “We take safeguarding children incredibly seriously, and we are working closely with partners including the police in relation to this matter.

“A helpline has been set up by the Torbay Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, and is hosted by the Local Authority for anyone who may have concerns. This can be accessed on 01803 208820 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.”