The nursery at the centre of police and Ofsted investigations today has said shutting it down temporarily is against "natural justice".

Active Learning in Victoria Road, Kingston, said none of its staff were suspects in the police investigation, the reason for which has not been announced.

A spokesman for Active Learning said its staff had been cleared of any wrongdoing by police.

In a statement the nursery said: "Ofsted has temporarily withdrawn the nursery’s registration due to an ongoing police investigation.

“The police have now concluded interviews with our staff and have informed us that there are no suspects within the nursery, however Ofsted has decided – for reasons it has not yet communicated to us – to suspend our registration.

"Whilst safeguarding of children is at the heart of everything we stand for, we believe this decision is overcautious in the extreme and Ofsted is acting in the face of natural justice by suspending the licence before carrying out its own investigation.

“All staff remain employed by Active Learning and Ofsted has informed us that they are free to work within our other nurseries and, indeed, elsewhere within the industry or privately.

"We recognise the disruption currently caused to parents and their children and we are working closely with them to secure alternative childcare arrangements during the temporary suspension.

"Ofsted has completed its investigation this afternoon and we would urge it to report its finding as soon as possible.”

An Ofsted spokesman said: "We can confirm that Ofsted is liaising with the relevant agencies whilst conducting its own investigation. The nursery will remain suspended whilst this is carried out."