Nursery worker jailed for smearing food on her face

A kindergarten that smeared food on a child’s face has been closed. Helen Walker gathered scraps and shoved them in front of the child before ignoring her cries of distress.

Immediately after the incident on February 24, 2023, the 49-year-old woman tried to cover up what she had done. Walker, of Watson Avenue, Mansfield, was jailed for five months.

Earlier, she pleaded guilty to one count of battery, abuse or neglect of a child. When police were alerted to the incident, detectives began a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened.

By analyzing CCTV footage, they were able to prove that Walker had taken the food and then deliberately sought out the child, who has additional needs. After smearing food on his face, Walker was seen trying to cover up the crime.

She was seen on CCTV approaching another child and loudly suggesting that the young victim had taken their food. Detective Constable Jacqui Edwards, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Nursery staff are placed in the ultimate position of trust to look after young children.

“Walker betrayed that trust with these appalling actions, which are further compounded by the fact that our young victim has additional needs. She then tried to portray the child as a troublemaker in an attempt to cover up what she had done.

“The protection of children is of paramount importance to the force. Once alerted to this offence, specialist officers carried out a thorough investigation which led to this outcome in court. I would like to thank the child’s parents for their help through what must have been a very difficult experience. We will continue to support them in any way we can.

“The nursery staff and management should also be commended for taking immediate action against Walker and informing the police. They also supported our investigation throughout.”