A VILLAGE pre-school that was marked as 'good' at its last Ofsted inspection in January has been closed due to safeguarding concerns.

According to reports The Caterpillars Montessori Pre-School in Welshampton, Ellesmere, shut overnight on Monday, July 17.

A spokesperson from Ofsted said: “We can confirm that we have suspended the provider as a result of safeguarding concerns, but we’re not able to comment any further at this time.”

Parents have moved to defend their children’s education space by organising a fundraiser to support Caterpillars Montessori.

In a GoFundMe post they said: “Hi, as parents and carers of children attending Caterpillars Montessori in Welshampton we are asking the community to show support for this truly special nursery.

“Through powers beyond all of our control, we find ourselves in a very sad situation.

“Our children are missing out on vital growth, support and development.

“We are ready, as a collective to fight for all that Caterpillars stands for and would ask that you join us to stand together and share whatever you can to assist.”

So far the parents have raised £740 out of their £1,000 target from only 13 donations.

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Some have given £200 to help the pre-school get back on track.

The Caterpillars Montessori was marked as ‘good’ in January by inspectors with the safeguarding section said to be ‘effective’.

Louise Chinyuku said in her inspection report that: “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

“Recruitment procedures are effective to check that staff are suitable to work with children.

“Staff demonstrate sound knowledge of the action they should take if they become concerned about the welfare of a child.”

She further highlighted that staff are trained in paediatric first aid and know the course of action they should take in case of an accident.

“The nursery is safe and secure and is clean throughout”, Mrs Chinyuku concluded.

The Caterpillars Montessori Pre-School has been approached for a comment.

* A previous version of this article included a photograph of Welshampton Primary School. The school is in no way linked to Caterpillars Montessori and we apologise for any confusion caused.