The manager of a Shropshire nursery has been suspended, it emerged today.

Andrea Harper has been suspended from St Mary’s Nursery Group, part of St Mary’s Church of England School in Albrighton.

A letter to parents stressed the suspension had nothing to do with child protection issues.

Mrs Harper today said she did not wish to comment.

Liz Nicholson, director of children and young people’s services at Shropshire Council, said it was inappropriate for the council to comment on any ongoing cases.

But she added: “Parents can be assured that the safety and well being of children is always our top priority and we will support the nursery to make sure it provides the best possible care.”

The letter from Jane Taylor, chairman of trustees, to parents says: “I very much regret having to inform you that the committee, acting in accordance with the responsibilities of charity/management trustees and on specialist legal advice, has deemed it necessary to suspend the manager, Mrs Andrea Harper, in order to carry out its duty to fully investigate issues of concern that have come to light.

“I must stress that suspension is the normal procedure in such circumstances and is entirely neutral, implying no guilt.

“I can advise you that the matter does not relate to any child protection issues.”

An acting manager, Jenny Wright, has been appointed.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “To hear that there are ‘issues of concern’ is extremely worrying. The staff at the nursery are brilliant and I appreciate that it must be a very difficult time for them.

“But I do feel that the trustees should have offered the parents a full and open explanation.”