A mother hurried to her son’s daycare center after her 16-month-old child was handled roughly. Elizabeth Adeagbo, described as an “experienced” nursery worker, admitted in court to lifting the child by his arm to avoid getting him wet with her apron. This incident took place on April 16 last year at a nursery in the Wirral, where Adeagbo was working as a teaching assistant through the agency Teaching Personnel.
According to Adeagbo, the child, known for being cheerful, sought her attention while she was washing dishes. She claimed that she intended to comfort the boy and moved him to the other side of the classroom by lifting him with his arm. However, CCTV footage presented in court depicted the child crying as he was carried across the room by his arm. When the mother arrived at lunchtime to pick him up, he was in tears, indicating distress from the incident.
The mother, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, received a call from the nursery notifying her of the incident. She expressed shock and concern, emphasizing the importance of nursery safety for children. Despite finding no physical harm upon taking her son to the hospital, she described the experience as frightening and unsettling.
In the video footage shown to the court, Adeagbo can be seen lifting the child by his arm and carrying him across the room. The prosecution highlighted that Adeagbo’s actions were inappropriate and akin to handling the child like a “bag of rubbish.” Adeagbo admitted her mistake and expressed remorse for her actions.
Adeagbo, who had a toddler of her own at the time, defended her actions as an attempt to remove the wet apron while carrying the child. Her defense attorney emphasized her experience in childcare and her lack of prior complaints, both in the UK and Nigeria, where she had previously worked with children.
Ultimately, magistrates found Adeagbo guilty of assault by beating and she is scheduled for sentencing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on May 14. The child’s mother expressed relief at the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding childcare standards to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in daycare settings.
