Westport daycare shut amid allegations of child abuse, neglect

A daycare in Westport, Ont., has been forced to close its doors after allegations of child abuse. 

The Ministry of Education launched an investigation into Westport Daycare, about 120 kilometres southwest of Ottawa, on May 29, according to a provincial inspection report.

In a statement to CBC, the ministry said it launched the investigation after receiving a complaint "regarding serious safety concerns at Westport Daycare."

Due to "the severity of the allegations and the continuous information provided by educators during the first inspection," the report says it turned into a multi-day inspection. 

"The ministry conducted an inspection of the premises and identified several prohibited practices and non-compliances," the statement reads, noting instances of "physical restraint of a child, bodily harm, and deprivation of basic needs." 

The report cites four individuals who allegedly engaged in those practices. They include Wanda Seward who is listed as the daycare's licensee. 

Children held down on cots: report

According to Seward, 32 children were enrolled with the daycare at the time of the inspection, all under the age of 13. 

According to the report, another educator observed an employee, volunteer or co-op student restraining children "by holding them down on a cot with her hands and arms," as well as children being forcefully grabbed, children being force-fed and staff withholding food from children as a form of discipline.

"An educator disclosed that the licensee was aware that staff are to get children to sleep and to make sure that children stay on their cots. Educators were instructed to keep them on their cots, even if it means physically restraining them. The educator disclosed that they all use their hands and arms to hold the children on their beds," the report reads. 

The ministry also found several separate instances where children were left unsupervised. 

Seward told the program adviser who conducted the inspection that no students or volunteers were working with the centre at the time.

Report alleges swearing, yelling

In addition, the report states Seward has permitted the use of harsh or degrading measures, threats or derogatory language in the presence of children. 

"Specifically, an educator disclosed that educators swear in the presence of children, that they have heard educators yelling at children," the report reads.

In a written statement to CBC, Carley Reynolds, the lawyer representing Westport Daycare, said the business is fully co-operating with the ministry. 

"At Westport Daycare, the well-being of children has always been top priority for the past 16 years. The recent ministry report includes allegations that are troubling and untrue. These claims are unproven, and do not align with what is known to be true about Westport Daycare's staff and care practices," the lawyer's statement reads. 

Following an on-site inspection, the ministry issued a protection order on May 30, forcing the centre to close immediately and stop providing care to children. The centre's licence has been temporarily suspended. 

"The centre will remain closed until the ministry confirms that all requirements have been met and Westport Daycare can demonstrate it can safely care for children."