OFSTED has cancelled a Dudley nursery’s registration to operate after the death of a one-year-old baby.

The nursery on Bourne Street has been closed since a baby boy died on December 9 but education watchdog Ofsted has now confirmed it is not considered suitable to re-open.

West Midlands Police continue to investigate the tragedy which is being treated as suspicious.

Six women were arrested in connection with the incident but were released on bail.

Ofsted was notified of the little boy’s death and the nursery’s right to operate was suspended.

Inspectors carried out a regulatory visit on December 15, amid concerns that safeguarding requirements were not being met, and the nursery was served with a welfare requirements notice – demanding action be taken to address safety concerns and reduce the risk of harm to children by January 13.

However, an update on the Ofsted website has confirmed the nursery’s right to operate is to be withdrawn permanently. The decision also applies to Fairytales Day Nursery Too in St James’s Road, Dudley.

A report states: “We have issued a notice of intention to cancel the provider's registration because we believe them to be no longer suitable to be registered. The provider has the right to object to our intention.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed those arrested in connection with the incident “remain on bail while investigations continue”.