Ofsted inspected Kids Planet nursery in Crosby after a two-year-old was mistakenly collected and driven off by another child’s grandfather and later returned. Inspectors found shortcomings in the safeguarding culture, staff deployment and risk assessments during transitions, putting children at significant risk. The toddler’s mother says CCTV footage contradicts staff accounts and she still seeks clear answers. The nursery has apologised, undertaken an internal review and implemented security and procedural changes; Ofsted revisited on 22 July to assess improvements.
Ofsted: Children ‘At Significant Risk’ After Man Drives Off With Wrong Toddler From Crosby Nursery
Jody, whose daughter is at the centre of the safeguarding incident, said she was determined to get answers [BBC]
A two-year-old girl was mistakenly collected from Kids Planet nursery on Liverpool Road in Crosby and driven off by the grandfather of another child before the error was realised and the child was returned. The incident prompted an Ofsted inspection within days, which identified weaknesses in safeguarding and procedures that left children exposed to risk.
Ofsted Findings
Inspectors visited the setting on 15 June and concluded that leaders had not maintained an open, positive culture around safeguarding. Their report warned that this failure "puts children at significant risk of harm." While the provider notified Ofsted of a "significant safeguarding event" and took immediate steps to tighten security, inspectors found that staff deployment and risk assessments during key transition periods—such as sleep times and collection—were not sufficiently robust.
The nursery on Liverpool Road in Crosby has apologised to the families involved [Google Maps]
"Leaders have not ensured that there is an open and positive culture around safeguarding. This puts children at significant risk of harm."
Mother's Concerns
The toddler’s mother, Jody, 37, says she remains without clear answers nearly two months after the June incident. She told reporters she had seen CCTV footage that contradicted what staff initially told her—staff had said her daughter was asleep, but the footage shows her awake and in the company of the man for several minutes. Jody said the footage raised further concerns because the man appeared to be comforting the child and addressing her by a different name.
"It's kind of sickening. It's children that they're dealing with. I want answers. I feel like I'm an investigator in my own case at the moment because I don't feel like I've had much help other than from the public," Jody said.
Nursery Response
Kids Planet apologised and described the episode as an "isolated and unprecedented" case of human error when established procedures were not followed. The provider says it cooperated fully with the relevant authorities and that police and other agencies have completed independent inquiries and were satisfied the matter was handled appropriately.
Ofsted inspectors said risk assessment arrangements were not sufficiently effective in identifying, managing and reducing known risks [PA Media]
Immediate measures taken by the nursery included reviewing collection procedures, removing parent access to door codes, installing doorbells, and carrying out an extensive internal investigation. Kids Planet says it has implemented a comprehensive action plan covering safeguarding, training, supervision, staffing and risk assessments.
Follow-Up
Ofsted returned to the setting on 22 July to review the improvements; a formal outcome summary from that visit is expected. Meanwhile, Ofsted's published comments recognise some strengths at the setting, including children's progress, warm relationships with staff, inclusive practice and partnerships with parents and professionals, but emphasise that children's safety and wellbeing must remain the top priority.
Help us improve.
