A woman named Roksana Lecka, aged 21, from Hounslow, has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse at Twickenham Green Montessori, a nursery in southwest London. The charges include 12 counts of child cruelty, 12 counts of actual bodily harm, and one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. Parents pay up to £1,900 a month for childcare at this nursery.
The Metropolitan Police started investigating after concerns were reported on 2 July. The investigation led to the arrest of Lecka three days later and she was charged this week. The exact number of victims involved has not been disclosed by the police.
Childcare sessions at the nursery have been suspended, and children aged four and under who attended the Twickenham Green branch have been offered temporary places at other nurseries in the group. The nursery, part of Riverside Nursery Schools, was rated as “good” by Ofsted during its inspection in March 2022.
Detective Superintendent Ian Cameron stated that the allegations are serious, and they are working closely with the nursery, Ofsted, and the local authority to investigate further. Lecka is scheduled to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 21 August.
A spokesperson for Twickenham Green Nursery mentioned that the staff member was suspended as soon as concerns were raised, and the necessary authorities were informed. Ofsted has suspended the nursery’s registration pending their investigation, and parents have been kept informed about the situation. The safety and welfare of the children remain a top priority for the nursery.
It is crucial for parents to trust the childcare facilities where they send their children. Any allegations of child abuse or neglect must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. It is a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and safeguarding measures in childcare settings to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
