Care workers charged with child cruelty at Billericay nursery

A woman from Wickford has been charged with child cruelty following an investigation by Essex Police into concerns about the treatment of children at the Abacus Day Nursery in Billericay.

Nursery Manager Emma Panting, 49, was charged with one count of child cruelty, two counts of common assault and one count of racially aggravated section 5 public order.

She has been bailed to appear before Basildon Magistrates Court on Thursday, 10 April.

Nursery worker Rosie Dunn, 24, of Billericay, has also been charged with one count of racially aggravated section 5 public order. She will also appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on 10 April.

Essex Police began carrying out an investigation at the nursery in February following concerns about treatment of some of the children in its care.

Detectives worked with colleagues from Essex County Council Social Care Department to investigate circumstances surrounding allegations at the Abacus Day Nursery in Orchard Avenue.

Ofsted said the nursery had its registration suspended and would be closed for up to six weeks when the investigation began.