Probe launched after child becomes critically ill at Oldham nursery

A woman in her 30s has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and child cruelty

Greater Manchester Police are conducting a joint investigation with partners at Oldham Council and Ofsted relating to a suspected incident at a nursery on Main Road in Oldham after a child became critically ill last week.

A woman in her 30s has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and child cruelty.

She has since been interviewed before being released on bail with strict conditions.

GMP has not confirmed the name of the nursery.

However, it has been reported that Ofsted has suspended Kids Around The Clock nursery in Chadderton from September 27 to November 7 due to an investigation.

That nursery is located on Main Road.

Police were initially called by colleagues at the North West Ambulance Service at 3.45pm on September 21 to a report that a seven-month-old girl was critically ill and being taken from the nursery to hospital – where she remains in a serious but thankfully stable condition.

The child’s parents are being kept updated and are being supported by an investigation team at this distressing time.

Extensive enquiries continue to be conducted to establish the circumstances of how the child’s condition deteriorated.

Police currently believe this is an isolated incident and detectives from GMP's Oldham Child Protection Unit are working closely with all necessary partners as part of this ongoing investigation.

Criminal proceedings are active and officers therefore urge people to refrain from speculation and commentary online.

Anyone with any concerns can contact police on 0161 856 8851 quoting incident 2285 of 21/09/2022.

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