Complaints of violence rise in Latvian kindergartens

Complaints about violence in Latvian kindergartens are increasing, with reports involving both staff and children, LSM reports. The Child Protection Centre received 67 submissions this year about suspected physical or emotional abuse of young children by staff.

Investigations can be difficult because children are involved and evidence is often lacking. In Riga, most complaints have not been substantiated. The centre has not provided details about individual cases, citing its policy of sharing only statistics.

In mid-October, TV3 reported possible violence at a kindergarten in Ērgļi, where a kitchen employee tasked with supervising toddlers allegedly took a bag strap. Madona municipality imposed a disciplinary sanction on the employee, according to education office head Solvita Seržāne. She said the strap may have been used as an intimidating way to keep the children obedient, but the municipality had no information that physical force had been used. The acting kindergarten head left the post. The municipality said threatening children was not a regular practice at the kindergarten.

Parents are encouraged to try to resolve problems with the kindergarten first. Staff sanctioned for violence in educational institutions must attend courses but are allowed to continue working. The report also says kindergartens need psychologists.