A NURSERY closed by Ofsted following concerns over safeguarding has been allowed to reopen.

Youngsters at Blackburn’s Fernbank Nursery, who are aged from two to four, were offered alternative temporary care in nearby nurseries after the nursery was closed temporarily in December..

Ofsted’s enforced closure came following an incident concerning the general wellbeing of one of the pupils, which cannot be revealed for confidentiality reasons.

After finding a flaw in the nursery’s paperwork, Ofsted inspectors told staff to update their safeguarding policies, including the recording methods of accidents and incidents, which were not seen as ‘robust enough’.

At the time, nursery staff stressed there had been no risk of harm to children at the nursery.

Following work to improve the nursery's safeguarding policy, Ofsted inspectors have now lifted the suspension - meaning it can open again.

A spokesman for the nursery said: "We at Fernbank nursery were delighted to inform our parents over the Christmas holidays that our suspension had been lifted.

"Through the hard work and dedication of our staff, management and committee the suspension which was initially given until January 22 was lifted by Ofsted and we were able to welcome all of our children old and new back after the new year.

"The initial suspension was due to finding flaws within our paper work system and required us to update and review our safeguarding policy.

"Within seven days Fernbank invited Ofsted back into the setting to review the new system which has been put into place allowing staff to identify safeguarding issues and to act upon these causes of concern accordingly.

"Ofsted analysed the new system which is now in place and made the decision to re-open Fernbank Nursery before the date given on the suspension.

"Fernbank nursery continues to be rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted. The safeguarding of our children is and always has been of paramount importance.

"We will always ensure that children in our care are protected from harm and grow up in a safer and secure environment."

Joanne Stewart, head of service early help and support at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the local authority had worked with the nursery provider to support the implementation of Ofsted recommendations and actions to resolve the issue.

She added the welfare and safeguarding of children was paramount.