WEST Mercia Police has confirmed that two people arrested and bailed on suspicion of child cruelty at a nursery near Ellesmere will now face no further action.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police has confirmed that the two unnamed people were released on bail after being arrested at Caterpillars Montessori in Welshampton, which was shut down by Ofsted last summer and will now not reopen.

The inspectorate made the decision to close the facility, in Stocks Lane, over safeguarding concerns on Monday, July 17, extending its closure in August and confirming this week the provider has resigned its registration before a decision was expected on its future next week.

Police had confirmed there is an ongoing investigation in conjunction with Shropshire Council and Ofsted, but now say it has been dropped.

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They said: “Further to our response yesterday our investigation has concluded (on Tueday) and found that the evidential threshold is not met for a criminal prosecution into any offences by those involved.

"As such, the investigation by West Mercia Police will be concluded at this time with no further action taken."

Ofsted confirmed on Friday that Caterpillars Montessori will not reopen after the company deregistered it from Ofsted.

A spokesman said that ‘the provider had decided to resign their registration’ and confirmed for child care to be provided at that location, a further inspection would be needed.

They said: “A new application and registration process would be required. This process would determine any new applicant’s suitability for registration.

“If a new provision was registered at the site, we would complete a first inspection in line with our published guidance.”

The nursery, in Stocks Lane, had previously been rated ‘good’ by the inspectorate in January 2023.

Shropshire Council confirmed it was monitoring the situation and would be on hand to support any parents from the nursery who had not found new provision.

David Shaw, assistant director of education and achievement, said: “Shropshire Council is aware of both the Ofsted and Police investigations into Caterpillars Nursery, Welshampton.

“We have been informed that the owners of the nursery have now resigned their Ofsted registration and will not be re-opening Caterpillars. Ofsted has written to parents, using the nursery, to advise them.

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry Advertizer readers can subscribe for just £5 for 5 months“We will now look to secure alternative childcare within the community with a new provider although we do not expect any new provision to be in place before the start of the new year at the earliest.

“We are aware that many parents have secured alternative childcare provision.

“However, if there are any parents who are still in need of support then we would encourage them to contact Shropshire Family Information Service on 01743 254400.”