Teacher reprimanded after child leaves Bauska kindergarten

A teacher at the Pasaulīte kindergarten in Bauska has been reprimanded after a four-year-old boy left the preschool unnoticed in early October and walked about two kilometres alone, LSM reported, citing Zemgale Regional Television. A municipal commission is still assessing the kindergarten director’s responsibility, with its findings expected by the end of the week.

The reprimand will remain in force for one year and restrict the teacher’s eligibility for additional pay and bonuses. The commission is also reviewing how child supervision was organised at the kindergarten and establishing the chronology of events that day.

The kindergarten has introduced additional safety measures. Staff have reviewed supervision procedures, and the facility plans to install extra fencing to keep children away from the gates. The kindergarten has also raised the door-release button so children cannot reach it, and added security measures to individual groups. Doors are locked during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Director Daina Kadiševska said the gate can be opened by an adult using a latch. She also said additional fencing had already been installed at the kindergarten’s Laija building.

Some parents told the broadcaster they had not lost trust in the kindergarten, while acknowledging that the incident was worrying. One parent said gates had often been left open by adults leaving the premises.