Former manager of Romford nursery from which child ran into road asks to create playgroup in same street

The former manager of a nursery which was closed after a child ran into a busy road has applied for permission to convert a house into a nursery in the same road.

Bukola Falodu has submitted a planning application to Havering Council to convert the property in Mawney Road, Romford into a day nursery.

The address is in the same road as the former Juneberries day nursery.

In May, the Recorder reported that Juneberries was under investigation by Ofsted, Havering Council and police after a child walked out, down the road, and into three lanes of high-speed traffic.

A witness was driving along the 50mph limit A12 at 10am on April 25 and saw a young boy “run across” the road.

She said: “He was about three. Me and my daughter got out the car and screamed for him to stay. He fell to the floor and my daughter scooped him up. Time stood still.”

Parents were told that the nursery would be closed for two days by text message, but no reason was given.

The registration for Juneberries was cancelled by Ofsted.

Ms Falodu did not hold the registration for the nursery and did not face action by the watchdog. A spokesman for Ofsted said: “As per our usual procedure, any new applicants must undergo a stringent registration process to ensure they are able to provide fit and proper care for children.

“Providers who are unable to meet our standards will not be permitted to operate.”