Nursery worker prosecuted for “force feeding” children

The BBC reports on proceedings in a Crown Court, where a nursery worker allegedly force-fed babies and put blankets over the faces of those who would not sleep. There are also allegations of physical abuse of children at the nursery in Bromley.

The offences allegedly took place between 2006 and 2008, and only came to light after a co-worker complained of the nursery worker’s alleged abuse of children.

These allegations relate to the physical and emotional abuse of very young children.

On the 16th November 2009, we reported on the case of Vanessa George, a nursery worker who was convicted of offences relating to children. That case arose out of allegations concerning a nursery in Plymouth.

Very young children in nurseries are particularly vulnerable. All nurseries are required to be licensed and they are in fact heavily regulated. The Care Standards Act 2000 set out the primary legislation relating to nurseries, and this was followed by a raft of regulations in 2001 and later years.

However the inability of very young children to disclose abuse makes them a vulnerable target.

In relation to compensation, all the children would probably have a good civil claim against the nursery if the worker is in fact convicted. The case of Lister v Hesley Hall   in 2001 states that a care worker who abuses children in his or her care would probably make their employer vicariously liable for all torts committed by them. In addition, each child would have a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

As at the 1st April 2010, the BBC now reports that the nursery worker has been cleared of all charges.