A PRE-SCHOOL in Lustleigh has closed suddenly following safeguarding concerns.

Orchard Pre-School, which was based in the village hall, is now permanently closed after concerns were raised with Ofsted.

There are claims that a previous employee is being ‘investigated’.

Inspectors carried out a ‘regulatory visit’ on June 2 and, in a report, said: ‘We found the provider was not meeting requirements relating to safeguarding policies and procedures, whistleblowing, concerns about children’s safety and welfare, suitable people, supervision of staff, and information and record keeping.

‘On 8 June 2026, the provider notified us of their intention to resign their registration.

‘At that time, they remained suspended. We subsequently accepted their resignation, and they are no longer a registered childcare provider.’

At the end of May, Orchard Pre-School had informed Ofsted about ‘matters relating to safeguarding policies and procedures and suitable people’.

Further information was received by Ofsted the following day when the registration was suspended because Ofsted believed children could have been at risk of harm.

It is understood the pre-school has closed following an ‘investigation into a former employee’.

Parents say they were told just as the pre-school closed but added it was a ‘popular’ provision for children locally.

One parent confirmed they had been told a previous employee was being investigated.

A previous Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated the pre-school as Outstanding, saying the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was outstanding and that the children in its care made outstanding progress in their development.

The village hall base provided children with dedicated play space and in the community orchard next door, there was a custom-built, secure Nature Garden.

The Mid Devon Advertiser has contacted the pre-school.