Two arrested on suspicion of child neglect at Blackwood nursery closed over rats

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Two people have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect in connection with a Blackwood nursery forced to close because of a rat infestation.

A 49-year-old man from Cardiff and a 29-year-old woman from the Caerphilly area were arrested and released on police bail.

Greenfields Day Nursery, in Bridge Street, had its licence suspended by regulator Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) on October 20.

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A CIW spokesperson said the suspension was enforced “to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and to allow time for further enquiries to be made.”

The regulator added: “CIW understands this may be concerning but would like to reassure parents and families we are working with the relevant authorities as a matter of priority.

“Parents looking for alternative childcare should contact their local family information service.”

Gwent Police launched an investigation after receiving a referral from Caerphilly County Borough Council on Tuesday November 3 regarding health and safety concerns at the site.

This followed allegations by a former employee that nursery management had failed to address a rat problem properly.

Detective Inspector Gavin Wilkes said: “We understand that allegations of this nature are upsetting and working with partner agencies, we are conducting a thorough investigation.”

Det Insp Wilkes urged the public not to fuel speculation online.

“We are aware of social media posts circulating and while we understand the public interest in this case, we urge people not to speculate or post anything online that could impact the investigation,” he said.

“If you have any information that you think might help our investigation, please come forward to report to us directly.”

Speaking to the Caerphilly Observer before the arrests were made, the nursery’s managing director, Jason Robert-Jones, denied claims that rats had been found in children’s tuff trays or droppings in a cot. He insisted that all concerns raised by staff had been taken seriously.

He confirmed the building had experienced a rat problem and said a pest control company was called in, which led to the closure of the nursery last month.

Mr Robert-Jones, who also operates another nursery in Rogerstone, said the closure was originally intended to be temporary. However, he claimed ongoing social media abuse has forced the site to shut down permanently.

He said around 20 staff members have lost their jobs and that the employment dispute service ACAS has been consulted.

Mr Robert-Jones, a former teacher, conceded he should have been more transparent with parents about the infestation.

He said: “I should have notified parents. I really thought we had it under control.”

Greenfields Day Nursery opened in February last year after receiving a £25,000 grant from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The building was previously the Masons Arms pub.

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