Former caregiver gets suspended sentence for mistreating children in Belgian nurseries

A former childcare worker has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended, for the degrading treatment of several young children at nurseries in Rumst and Tremelo. The correctional court in Antwerp delivered the verdict after colleagues reported the woman's inappropriate conduct.

Reports from her colleagues detailed racist remarks, intimidating behavior, and a physically rough approach to handling the children. They stated she would grab children forcefully, throw them onto mats, withhold food from those who refused to eat, and isolate crying children instead of comforting them. Toddlers were reportedly denied pacifiers and not allowed to eat or sleep earlier, with the accused allegedly taking out frustrations on the children during bad days.

Concerns were also raised by parents, some of whom noticed bruises on their children. Children exhibited listlessness or hunger upon returning home. The woman later worked at another nursery in Tremelo, where colleagues again noted inappropriate language, brutality, and a lack of emotional engagement. She resigned in April 2025 and has since left the sector.

The case reached the courts after the woman filed a complaint against the manager of 'De Hummeltjes' nursery. While her complaint was dismissed, she ultimately faced charges for mistreating the children entrusted to her care. Despite her denial, the court found the testimonies of her colleagues, supervisors, and parents to be credible.