Ofsted extends two nurseries' suspension notices for second time

Flutterbies had its licence for its nurseries on Stone Row Way, Parkgate, and at the Unity Centre on Ridge Road, Clifton, suspended by Ofsted in February.

The original ruling was made on February 21 — two days after police were called to the Parkgate nursery following an altercation between two members of staff.

Officers who attended spoke to those involved, neither of whom was injured, and no further action was taken, police said.

The initial six-week suspension has already been extended once and the nurseries will closed for six weeks, Ofsted said this week.

The spokesman said: “We are taking steps to cancel the registrations of the Flutterbies Day nurseries in Parkgate and Unity because of our concerns about the provider’s suitability and ability to keep children safe.

“The nurseries remain closed in the meantime. Our suspension remains in place for six weeks from May 15.”

The Parkgate nursery was last rated good by Ofsted in October 2016, when it had 70 children aged one to four on its roll under the management of Emma Battersby.

But just over a year ago, both centres were served with Ofsted welfare requirement notices within weeks of each other.

Rotherham Borough Council said parents and carers who have children on the nurseries’ rolls could contact its Families Information Service on 0800 0730230 for help and support.