ANDREW SMITH FROM WEST NORWOOD CAUGHT WORKING IN CHILDREN'S NURSERY DESPITE SEX OFFENDER STATUS

In a disturbing revelation, a convicted child sex offender named Andrew Smith was found working at the Norwood Manor Day Nursery located on Chapel Road in West Norwood, despite his status on the sex offenders register. The incident came to light after Smith was recognized on a national television program, which ultimately led to his arrest and further scrutiny of the nursery's hiring practices.

Andrew Smith, aged 38 and residing on Broxholm Road, had been employed as a chef at the nursery for a period of two weeks in July and again in early September. This employment occurred despite the fact that he was under a legal obligation to avoid working with children, as he was on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years following his release from prison in December 2008. The nursery, which caters to over 80 children aged between three and five, had initially believed that background checks had cleared Smith, as he was not listed on the sex offenders register at the time of employment.

The alarming breach was uncovered after Smith appeared on the ITV1 documentary titled 'To Catch a Paedophile.' During the program, an undercover police operation was showcased, revealing Smith's online activities. The police had intercepted his communications, which included sending a series of inappropriate internet messages and webcam footage of himself performing a sexual act, believing he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl. The program also detailed Smith's attempts to meet a minor following a period of online grooming, which led to his conviction and a 12-month jail sentence in July 2008. His crimes involved inciting a child to watch sex acts over the internet and attempting to meet a minor in person.

It was a staff member at Norwood Manor Day Nursery who recognized Smith from the television broadcast, raising the alarm. The nursery, which employs a significant number of staff and cares for young children, was immediately placed under scrutiny. The recognition prompted police to act swiftly, leading to Smith's arrest for breaching the terms of his sexual offences order, which prohibits him from working with children. He did not report for work after the program aired and was subsequently detained by police. Smith appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on the Monday following his arrest, where he was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled via video link on October 6.

Authorities have since increased security measures at the nursery, with police officers guarding the premises to prevent any potential backlash from the public. A parent, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed shock over the incident, stating, “It’s really shocking this has happened. It’s a really good nursery so we don’t know how this could have happened.”

Wendy Woodcock, the director of schools and nurseries at the CfBT Education Trust, which manages Norwood Manor Day Nursery, issued an apology to parents. She stated, “I am shocked and deeply sorry that this incident has occurred and that CfBT Education Trust unknowingly allowed this man to work at Norwood Manor Day Nursery. At no time did any children come into contact with Mr Smith.” She emphasized that the trust has “stringent processes and procedures in place” to safeguard children and is currently investigating how these procedures failed in this instance.

Attempts to obtain comments from Reed Employment, the temp agency responsible for placing Smith at the nursery, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The agency claims to be contractually obliged to conduct CRB checks, but it remains unclear whether these checks were properly carried out in Smith’s case. The nursery and the agency are now under scrutiny as authorities continue their investigation into how Smith was able to secure employment despite his criminal record and legal restrictions.