Ofsted failed to see sexual abuse at Birmingham nursery

Ofsted has apologised for failing to notice sexual abuse going on at a nursery in Birmingham during an inspection visit that followed allegations by a member of the nursery’s staff.

On 27 July Paul Wilson, 21, of Newbold Croft, Nechells was jailed for life after admitting two charges of rape, 16 of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, 25 of making indecent images and three of distributing them.

A spokesperson for the inspection watchdog said a member of staff at a Nechells nursery “Little Stars” had phoned Ofsted with concerns before Wilson’s actions had come to light. “We immediately referred the allegations to the local authority, the lead agency locally with responsibility for safeguarding, and with them conducted a joint visit to the nursery.”

Following the visit, Ofsted said it required the nursery to ensure that safeguarding policies were in place and procedures were properly followed but admitted: “We are sorry that investigation did not bring to light what was happening sooner and for any additional distress this may have caused those affected by Mr Wilson’s actions,” a spokesperson said.

The local safeguarding children board is carrying out a serious case review into the matter.

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