Nurseries and Childcare Centres

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General – in the Senedd at 2:27 pm on 2 May 2018.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 2:27, 2 May 2018

Thank you for that answer, Counsel General. It doesn't seem like much, but there we are. Counsel General, you may be aware of the case of Bright Sparks nursery in Taibach in my constituency, which has been closed since last year following allegations of force-feeding of children and restraint of young children. These are issues which must be investigated, because they must be taken seriously, and there is no question about that. In fact, a trial was held and three individuals were charged and prosecuted, but the trial found them not guilty of all charges, and therefore they were exonerated. Now it appears that even being exonerated in court is insufficient for CIW to reissue the licence, which implies that the evidence presented is still considered sufficient by CIW. What guidance can the Welsh Government give to CIW to ensure that, whilst the need to safeguard children in circumstances where allegations are made is paramount to ensure their safety is there, a thorough investigation is made, and if prosecution that follows fails, a plan is put into place, working with the organisation, to ensure that those nurseries get an opportunity to reopen in a safeguarded, protected way?