The Scots mum of a toddler whose life was put at risk when he went missing from a nursery says she has lost trust in people caring for her son.
A recent investigation by Care Inspectorate Scotland found three-year-old River Wood's life was at risk after staff at Kingsford School nursery, Aberdeen, allowed him to walk out of the building unnoticed on August 3.
The youngster was found crying on the city's busy Lang Stracht Road by a stranger who contacted the police.
His furious mum Kayleigh told the Daily Record she feels her son was failed by staff at the council-ran nursery and said the incident has left her unable to trust anyone else with his care.
The 30-year-old added: "Because of what happened, I have lost faith in others looking after River. I'm constantly thinking about what could have happened and if the same thing will happen again. We've still not sent him to another nursery because I'm too scared to do so.
"This has had an affect on our whole family.
"Apart from his dad and family members I have anxiety that if I leave him something will happen and that he will not be safe.
"I don't trust anyone to care for him. I've lost faith and confidence.
"Our lives have been turned upside down."
Kayleigh told how a hysterical River was brought to her by the stranger after he wandered out of the building.
After dropping him off at nursery at 1pm, Kayleigh was due to pick River up at 6pm when a woman showed up with him at 4.45pm asking 'have you lost your child?'
Kayleigh went to the nursery to confront staff about her son's escape, but workers were unaware he was even gone. The mum says nobody contacted her or anyone on her emergency list.
Things only got worse when River told his mother he nearly got hit by a bus. Two members of the public have since messaged her to confirm the near miss.
Kayleigh added: "This could have been much worse. He could have been abducted or hit by the bus.
"I've barely slept since it happened and the more information I find out the worse it gets. I feel like I am in a nightmare.
"I'm really upset and angry. My son has been failed on so many levels.
It has since been found that Kingsford School nursery failed to protect River and put him in harm.
Scotland's care scrutiny body upheld complaints against Kingsford in five different areas, including the security of the environment and communication of the staff.
The body has recommended workers at the nursery should receive training in missing child policies.
Aberdeen City Council initially met with Kayleigh to discuss the incident. They since apologised to Kayleigh, who has requested a second meeting with them to discuss the report's findings, but this has yet to happen.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said: “We met with River’s parents following an investigation into this unfortunate incident to apologise and to discuss the measures we have undertaken at Kingsford School Nursery following a review of its security systems to help ensure there is no repetition.
“River’s parents have sought information on available early learning and childcare spaces in their chosen area and two settings have been identified.
“River’s parents were advised that, once they decide on the most appropriate setting, they require only to update the applications to be formally offered a place.”
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