Senior Nursery Worker Suspended

A manager at a nursery in Dunblane has been suspended after being accused of assaulting a four year old boy. The 42-year-old woman was charged with assault and breach of the peace after an incident at Ashburn Nursery. She has also been temporarily suspended from active duty after police were called. The Care Commission watchdog said it was happy with the action which management at the private nursery had subsequently taken. The nursery has declined to comment.

Stirling Council, which had been providing funded nursery places through Ashburn, said it was not planning to continue a partnership agreement set up between the two. A spokesman for Central Scotland Police said an inquiry was carried out by officers from the force family unit following an alleged incident on 25 May and the woman was reported to the procurator fiscal. It is understood she is accused of assaulting the child after he spilled his drink in the snack area of the nursery.

A Care Commission spokesman said the organisation would continue to monitor the situation and take whatever action was required at the appropriate time. “We are aware of an alleged incident at Ashburn Nursery in Dunblane and as a result the service has agreed to temporarily suspend a senior manager from active duty,” said the spokesman.

“However, the nursery has fully co-operated with Care Commission staff and we are satisfied management has subsequently taken all necessary steps and that the care of the children at the service is not compromised.”

Stirling Council said the annual partnership agreement with Ashburn Nursery ended on 23 June. A spokeswoman added: “At this time there are no plans to renew this partnership.

“The nursery and parents have been informed of this decision and alternative provision has been made available.”