A NURSERY worker has been arrested over an allegation of sexual assault against a child.

Starlight Childcare in Winfrith has been temporarily closed following the arrest.

Parents arrived to drop their children off at the nursery to find police there and they were informed of the arrest.

Education watchdog Ofsted has suspended the day nursery’s licence while the police’s child abuse investigation team looks into the case.

A Dorset Police spokesman refused to confirm if the arrested worker is a woman and will not reveal their age.

The police spokesman said: “Dorset Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault committed against a child who attends the Starlight Childcare Centre, Winfrith.

“A member of nursery staff was arrested in the morning on Thursday.

“The arrested person has been released on bail while enquiries continue.”

The nursery looks after children aged from birth to eight years old and has a capacity for 25 children.

It is expected that the nursery registration will remain suspended for at least six weeks - depending on the length and result of the investigation.

An Ofsted spokesman added: “Ofsted is aware of the police investigation and is working closely with the police and the Wareham Childcare team. The investigation centres on an allegation in relation to one child.”