To report what this colleague did?

[StrawberryFields2025]

I have recently started as an apprentice at a nursery. Today a child was wondering into a different room where they wasn’t meant to be. Instead of my colleague picking him up carefully or gently redirecting him, she grabbed and picked him up by one arm and walked with him like that with him off the ground quite a bit by one arm. This made him cry. Other colleagues found it funny but I didn’t.

Absolutely you need to report this - I’m also concerned that you’re in the job that you’re doing and you’ve had to come into an online forum to get clarification.

This is definitely a safeguarding issue.

It's clear that the worker was completely out of order. OTOH I believe this attitude is much more common than posters like to believe.
All childcare settings should have accessible live cctv for parents.

Well done for asking, you’ve certainly done the right thing checking here. Personally I’d log it with the safeguarding lead first thing tomorrow.

Also think it’s fine to need a hand hold to do this, especially when it’s an apprenticeship and you’re in your first job

Absolutely report this. It may not make you popular with your colleagues, but it needs to be addressed. The safety of the children in your care at the nursery needs to come first. Stand your ground and advocate for them - you clearly care and they're too young to do it for themselves. Poor little thing - that's just awful :-(

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-69026072.amp

My heart :( I have a child a similar age. Literally a baby. I worry about nurseries but we have little choice as working parents.

Report her and your colleagues

Yes, you definitely need to report this.

Op, report this as far as you can. I know it's difficult in a new job. It sounds like you are going to be a fantastic nursery nurse, your instincts are spot on and you are asking for advice in a safe way, and I'm sure you will do more research than asking mn.

Honestly, nursery staff are sought after and you sound great, I'd see this through then try and find a different setting that isn't a completely toxic workplace. Good luck x

Definitely report it

Oh absolutely. But the first port of call is often to speak to a manager. So yes I'd do that and then if she does brush it off, definitely take it further. I do understand how difficult that would be though.

There's no need for any concern. She's just looking for a bit of a handhold as its a big thing to do, especially when you're just starting out as an apprentice.