The family of a baby who was burned by boiling water and bleach at an Aberdeen nursery has received a five-figure payout.
Blake Nilssen was just 10-months-old when he suffered second-degree burns at Little Dreams Nursery in November 2021.
The incident happened after staff left a cleaning bucket unattended, which Blake toppled as he tried to pull himself to his feet.
The nursery said it had taken the incident “extremely seriously”.
Care investigators upheld multiple complaints against the business, with senior staff being subsequently reprimanded.
It emerged that staff failed to call an ambulance.
The workers also covered Blake in wet paper towels, which ripped off blisters that were forming when they were removed.
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The now two-year-old was later taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment after his parents, Ellie Johnson, 28, and Daryl Nilssen, 32, were alerted.
‘There really was a sense that it shocked parents all over the country’
Ms Johnson, Blake’s mother, said: “At the time I said this incident was indefensible and I still feel that way.
“There really was a sense that it shocked parents all over the country. Many people reached out with concern and support.
“Thankfully Blake has responded well to medical treatment but his recovery is not over.
“We still see some signs of emotional trauma, especially around water, but we’re hopeful he will calm over time and things can improve for him.”
The out-of-court compensation has been set aside in a trust for Blake until he turns 16.
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‘This was an incident we have taken extremely seriously’
Neil Davidson, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, led the legal action.
He said: “I sincerely hope parents and care providers everywhere consider the gravity of what happened in this very harrowing ordeal and take steps to ensure such incidents are never repeated.”
A spokesperson for Little Dreams Nursery said: “This was an incident we have taken extremely seriously.
“As a local authority investigation into what happened is ongoing we cannot comment further, but we are of course giving this inquiry every support and assistance.”
