Golders Green shul nursery shuts permanently amid ‘safeguarding’ concerns

A Jewish nursery has permanently shut amid safeguarding concerns.

The United Synagogue this week confirmed that Little Goldies nursery in Golders Green Synagogue, which employed five staff members, was closed by Ofsted on 13 January – the full reasons for which remain unknown.

An email sent to parents and carers explains that: “The United Synagogue has resigned its registration at Little Goldies, which means the nursery is now permanently closed. We have taken this very regrettable decision with a heavy heart but in recognition that while the investigation is ongoing, Little Goldies is no longer viable and will not be able to reopen in its current form.”

The email adds: “Safeguarding remains the first priority and we are absolutely committed to working with all relevant agencies to conclude the investigation, but we recognise that the sudden suspension has left parents with no alternative but to make other childcare arrangements. We sincerely hope that your children are now settled and happy in alternative settings.”

US chief executive Steven Wilson had earlier told Jewish News: “Safeguarding is of the utmost importance to the United Synagogue in all of its settings. We recognise that the situation has left parents with no alternative but to make other childcare arrangements.”

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We followed our procedures and contacted the police after a series of concerns about the nursery.  They are being investigated, which is likely to be for a period of not less than six weeks.” According to its website, Little Goldies was ranked “good” by Ofsted in February 2020.

An Ofsted spokesperson said: “We inspected the nursery on 10 January following a risk assessment. We have since suspended the nursery’s registration and are working with other agencies.” The safeguarding concerns are not believed to be of a physical or sexual nature.