Thomas Waller, now 18,described by the mother of one of his victims as ‘a very dangerous individual’
A teenage nursery worker from Surrey has been convicted of raping and sexually abusing children as young as three.
Thomas Waller, now 18, has been detained at Guildford Crown Court for 10 years. Waller was found guilty at Staines Magistrates Court on October 31.
The newly-qualified child care worker was found guilty of rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and taking indecent images of children.
Waller was described by the mother of one of his victims as “a very dangerous individual”.
The nursery where Waller raped and sexually abused his child victims has said it took “immediate action” as soon as concerns were raised about the teenager. The Surrey-based private business, which cannot be named for legal reasons, said its thoughts remain with the two children and their families.
It said in a statement: “We were, and remain, deeply shocked, saddened and sorry to learn of the actions of a former member of our staff. The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is, and always will be, our highest priority.
“As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, contacting the police without delay, suspending the individual concerned, and fully co-operating with the investigation. Since then, we have carried out a full review and further strengthened our already robust safeguarding policies and staff training.
“We continue to work closely with the local authority and safeguarding professionals to ensure we uphold the very highest standards of care and protection for every child entrusted to us. Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the two children and their families affected. We have provided, and continue to provide, support to them, to our wider nursery community and to our staff.
“We are immensely grateful to all our parents and carers for their ongoing trust and support throughout this incredibly difficult and distressing time. Safeguarding and the wellbeing of our children have always been, and will always remain, our absolute priority.”
Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: “I am appalled by the crimes committed by Thomas Waller and extend my deepest sympathies to the children and families affected.
“As the local authority, we were informed by partners when these disclosures were first made about an individual working in a private nursery in Surrey. We immediately undertook our duties to support the actions of safeguarding partners, and of Ofsted as the regulatory body for early years settings.
“Our role has included co-ordinating information-sharing and actions between relevant bodies, as well as supporting the setting to implement actions identified for them by Ofsted. The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority.
“I would encourage anyone with concerns about someone who works with children and young people to contact the local authority designated officer.”
