A nursery in Northampton has remained closed for more than six weeks following the arrest of a staff member on suspicion of sexual assault.

Child First Moulton, located in the village of Moulton, was formally shut down by education watchdog Ofsted on 9 May after safeguarding concerns were raised during an inspection. The suspension of the nursery’s operations came shortly after Northamptonshire Police arrested a staff member in connection with the alleged offence.

Police have confirmed that the arrested individual has since been released on bail while investigations are ongoing. However, authorities have not disclosed the location of the alleged offence, nor have they confirmed whether the incident is believed to have taken place at the nursery itself.

In a statement, the nursery said it is cooperating fully with the inquiry and is working alongside both the police and Ofsted to ensure that all appropriate safeguarding procedures are being followed.

Ofsted, which has regulatory oversight of childcare providers in England, took the decision to suspend the nursery’s registration pending further investigation. Such action is typically taken in cases where there are serious concerns about child safety and welfare.

Parents and guardians of children enrolled at the nursery have been informed of the situation and are being supported in finding alternative childcare arrangements while the nursery remains closed.

The incident has raised wider concerns about safeguarding protocols in early years settings and the speed at which information is shared with parents in such circumstances.

As the investigation continues, both the nursery and local authorities have urged the public not to speculate and to allow the legal process to take its course. Further updates are expected following the conclusion of the police inquiry and any subsequent regulatory actions.