Nursery World - Compensation sought for children abused at nursery

Children who suffered abuse at the hands of banned nursery school head teacher Patricia Ann Baynes could be in line for 70,000 each in compensation, say lawyers.

A Birmingham law firm is co-ordinating a group action of families afterMrs Baynes was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct lastmonth (News, 1 May). A General Teaching Council tribunal heard that shehad force-fed, assaulted and unfairly punished children in her care,while head teacher of Bordesley Green East Nursery in the city.

Uppal Taylor will seek to obtain damages from both Patricia Ann Baynesand her employer, Birmingham City Council.

Birmingham City Council can be held responsible under the vicariousliability principle, whereby an employer is responsible for the acts ofan employee. Many employees and ex-staff gave evidence against MrsBaynes.

Christopher Ratcliffe, an associate at Uppal Taylor, said, 'Thepsychological impact cannot be underestimated. There's the stress at thetime and the long-term impacts as well. In some cases their educationhas been severely affected, and it can create fears of people inauthority and prevent them from getting employment.'

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