Council’s nurseries operated illegally

Social services-run nurseries in Liverpool have been operating
illegally for up to 10 years, it has emerged.

Just one of the council’s 10 nurseries was registered with the
registration and inspection unit, despite it bringing this fact to
the council’s attention in 1992.

Two months ago, the unit advised that two nurseries should be
closed immediately because they didn’t meet standards and would be
hard pressed to do so. The Falkner Street nursery contained
asbestos and had an infestation of cockroaches, and Chatsworth
Drive nursery was also sub-standard.

The council agreed the decision and, after ensuring that
alternative placements could be found for children, both nurseries
closed last week.