Little Dreams Nursery in Aberdeen has been fined after a 10-month-old baby boy was severely burned by a bucket of boiling water mixed with bleach. The incident occurred in 2021.
In a statement released by the family's law firm, Digby Brown, they expressed that they had to wait five years for the nursery to admit fault. "We don't feel the severity of his injuries have been acknowledged," the family stated. "We trusted them to take care of him and for such an injury to happen to a 10-month-old baby is indefensible."
The family added that they had to witness their son deal with the consequences of the accident in the months and years that followed, noting, "No parent should have to experience that, but we are thankful what happened hasn't had a more serious or longer-lasting impact." They concluded their statement by saying, "Today we close the most horrific chapter of our lives and we want to thank everyone who has supported us during this time and now request our privacy as we move forward."
A defense advocate for the nursery, Barry Smith KC, acknowledged the incident, stating, "It is of the utmost regret from all involved - from the director and all staff - that this accident occurred and injury was caused to a young child."
Little Dreams Nursery issued its own statement, emphasizing that the safety, wellbeing, and care of every child entrusted to them are of the "highest priority." The nursery added, "We deeply regret that this incident was able to occur and are profoundly sorry for the distress and impact it has had on the child and their family."