Aberystwyth playgroup stays shut after assault inquiry
A playgroup at the centre of a sexual assault allegation will remain closed until later this month. St Padarn’s Playgroup committee in Aberystwyth has said it would not reopen until 22 February at the earliest.
Dyfed-Powys Police said on Tuesday the playgroup was closed temporarily while they carried out an investigation.
A person arrested on suspicion of sexual assault has been released on police bail.
The decision by the playgroup’s committee was posted on Ceredigion council’s website.
In a statement, the council said: “Ceredigion County Council has been informed of the decision of the Saint Padarn Playgroup committee, Aberystwyth, not to reopen the playgroup until 22 February 2010 at the earliest.
Arrest
“It is understood that the St Padarn Playgroup committee will continue to keep the matter under review and, as soon as it becomes aware of any change, Ceredigion County Council will report any further news on this page.”
The playgroup is independent of St Padarn’s Roman Catholic school.
It is understood the playgroup is registered by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).
The playgroup was last inspected on 2 February 2010, but an inspection report is yet to be published.
In a joint statement on Tuesday following the arrest, Dyfed-Powys Police and Ceredigion Local Safeguarding Children’s Board said: “A multi-agency meeting has been held, in line with the All Wales Child Protection Procedures and ‘Working Together’ Welsh Assembly Government guidance.
“The playgroup has temporarily closed pending further investigation and this will be reviewed daily.
“Parents wishing to make alternative arrangements may find useful information at Ceredigion Information Service
“Dyfed Powys Police take any allegation of this kind seriously and have specially trained officers to deal with any victims and any alleged offenders.”
A Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales spokesman said: “All settings are regulated and inspected in line with requirements and CSSIW takes its responsibilities very seriously.
“We are aware of the alleged incident, which is the subject of a police investigation and therefore we are unable to comment further.”
