Mechelen
The Toverland daycare center in Mechelen will be closed for three months. That was decided by the Growing Up Agency.
The daycare had been under strict supervision for some time. “An intention to suspend had already been expressed. That process was started after several inspections during which shortages were identified,” says Opgroeien. “After a new report of an incident in which the safety of a child was compromised, we decided to impose an immediate suspension.”
According to Gazet van Antwerpen, one of the children almost choked on her fruit porridge last week. Although employees urged the manager to do so, the emergency services were not contacted.
“No more children can currently be accommodated in Toverland,” the agency states. “The suspension is a temporary measure and will provisionally run until mid-May. The shelter can only reopen if the operator can demonstrate that the safety of the children is guaranteed.”
Toverland had room for 33 babies and toddlers. Their parents are now without childcare. “We assist them as best we can,” says Alderman of Childcare Gabriella De Francesco (For Mechelen). “We keep in close contact and try to find a solution for all the children as quickly as possible.”
(svs, svh)
