A nursery has issued a statement after a child walked out and was found by a passer-by running down the road.

Playdays Nursery in Blackrod told The Bolton News additional measures had been implemented following the incident on Thursday.

The child was said to be found on Church Street, where the nursery is and was stopped by a passer-by and taken back to the nursery.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Play Days Nursery said “While we can’t disclose any specific details or personal information, we can confirm that on Thursday this week, there was an incident with regards to risk assessment.

 “Our high standard of care is of the utmost importance to us and, though the child in question is safe and unharmed, that we fell short on this day is deeply disappointing to us.

“We have of course notified all the relevant agencies including Ofsted and have implemented additional safeguarding and welfare measures with immediate effect.

 “Our focus remains on supporting the parents and child involved as well as our wider parent-child community.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We are aware of an incident relating to a nursery in Blackrod.

“The provider has followed the correct procedures and reported the matter to Ofsted in accordance with national guidelines.”

Horwich South and Blackrod councillor, David Grant, said: “There has obviously been a breakdown of security precautions.

“It raises questions of how a child could go missing with 55 members of staff there to stop the issue.

“It’s an excellent nursery with good ratings and they should be able to find the breach in their system.”

The nursery also sent out a letter to parents following the incident.

It stated: "We’re emailing to inform you about an incident at Playdays nursery today with regards to our daily risk assessment.

“While we can’t share specific information or disclose personal information, we feel it’s important to address it with you and give you, as parents, the opportunity to engage directly with us, should you have any concerns.

“As you know, our team is committed to providing your children with a high standard of care and that we fell short of that today is deeply regrettable. We have of course informed the parents of the child concerned and continue to provide them with the appropriate support.

“Meanwhile we’ve notified all the relevant agencies including Ofsted and have implemented additional safeguarding and welfare measures with immediate effect.

“We are aware that there is understandably some discussion of the incident on social media and we would ask that you come to us if you have any questions or worries.

“As ever, we are here to support you and your child and we are committed to doing so to the highest possible standard.

Thank you for your time and understanding.”

One parent told The Bolton News: "My wife and I have been really worried after hearing about what had happened, I couldn't sleep at night. I was upset, how could it have happened.  It is worrying."

The nursery has been marked outstanding by Ofsted.

Inspectors stated: "The leadership of the nursery is inspirational.

"Senior managers are extremely passionate and have an exceptional vision for the nursery. Their aim to provide outstanding learning opportunities and care for all children creates a culture of excellence throughout the nursery.

" Teaching is of a very high quality. Staff respond exceptionally well during interactions with children. For example, extremely skilful staff eagerly teach children about snails, using role play in the garden. Children use their whole bodies to curl into a shell shape. This promotes children's understanding of the world and develops curiosity and awe."

Ofsted has been contacted for comment.