A NURSERY has been fined after a two-year-old tot lost the tip of their finger when they caught it in a gate - despite a similar accident just days before.

Management at Beechoak Farm Montessorri Pre-School Limited, in Church Road, High Beech, Loughton, have been ordered to pay more than £5,000 after pleading guilty to breaking health and safety legislation following two cases of toddlers being injured in May.

Harlow Magistrates Court heard how the gate was not fitted with a 'no stop' device and that there was no guard to protect children's fingers.

Despite one child suffering minor injuries after getting their fingers caught in the gate, the nursery failed to take proper action and a second toddler was hurt just two days later.

The child lost the top half of their finger but hospital staff later managed to graft it back on again.

The case was so serious it led to Epping Forest District Council writing to all 65 nurseries and playgroups in the area reminding managers of the need for proper health and safety training among staff.

Cllr Mary Sartin said: “It is unusual for the council to take court action. Prosecution is the last step.

"However, despite the co-operation of the nursery we felt that this case was too serious and a wider public interest existed.

"I am very grateful to the investigating officers for the professional job they did in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

"I hope it sends a clear message that the health and safety of our residents and our children in particular takes priority over all else."

The gate was modified by the nursery after the second accident.

The nursery was fined £2,500 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, and ordered to pay a further £2,783 in legal costs to the district council, which brought the case to court.