Security review begins after child goes missing

Youngster ‘escaped’ from Glenrothes nursery

Fife Council has launched a review of security procedures at a Glenrothes nursery after a child was discovered roaming the streets.

The four-year-old was found by his mother after he managed to open a magnetically sealed security door at Carleton Nursery, in the town’s Woodside area, last Thursday.

The youngster was entering an underpass below the A92 dual carriageway when he was found, but only after crossing Woodside Way, one of the area’s busiest roads.

The mother is understood to have been walking to the nursery when she met her child, around half-a-mile away from the campus.

The Care Inspectorate confirmed that it had been informed of the incident.

Jacqueline Price, Fife Council’s acting head of service, said that a review of security measures at the nursery was under way.

“Last week a child managed to open the security door at one of our nurseries by climbing up to reach the magnetic release,” she said.

“The child had only been out of staff’s sight for a short time, which is normal as children move between the garden and nursery rooms.

“We’re very sorry for the distress this has caused the family.

“I’d like to reassure our nursery community that safety and security of our children is our top priority.

“We’re reviewing the incident and nursery processes to make sure it cannot happen again.”

Mrs Price also moved to quell concerns a mechanical door fault may have played a part in the tot’s escape.

While admitting that workmen had been carrying out repair work, she continued: “While there have been intermittent problems with the spring on the door, this was not a factor in last week’s incident.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “We have discussed the incident with the service to ensure that appropriate steps are taken and lessons learned in light of this.

“We will continue to work closely with the nursery to ensure that children remain safe.”

Picture: Steven Brown. The child went missing from Carleton Nursery on Bighty Avenue, Glenrothes.

Picture: Bing Maps. An image showing the location of the nursery and where the toddler was eventually found.