Baby breaks leg falling off changing table at Scots nursery as bosses face legal action

Skye Tucker suffered the painful injury on her first day at nursery.

A Scots nursery faces legal action after a one-year-old baby broke her leg falling off a nappy changing table when left unattended.

Skye Tucker was just 90 minutes into her first day at Little Clouds Nursery in Aberdeen on January 7 when she suffered the injury. Her parents fear her trauma worsened as she did not receive medical care until later that evening.

Nursery bosses admitted the incident was due to a “complete lapse in judgment” after a staff member left her unattended while looking for nappy cream. The Care Inspectorate investigated and upheld five complaints, citing numerous failings in care and communication.

Parents Kyle, 39, and Sheena Tucker, 38, are taking legal action for negligence.

They said in a statement: “We were shocked to learn the extent of her injuries and how avoidable this was. Not leaving a baby unattended on a high changing table is one of the most basic rules in a nursery.

“The fact she was left without real medical attention for most of the day continues to upset us when we think about the pain she endured.

“Skye seems to be recovering well, which is the main thing.

“In fairness to the nursery, we appreciated their quick apology and transparency. The Care Inspectorate findings were welcome, but it’s important for parents to know the full facts to make informed decisions about childcare.

“Our focus now is Skye’s full recovery and ensuring other children are protected from the same errors.”

Skye was attending her first full day after previous settling-in sessions at Little Clouds, where her twin brother Aaron was also enrolled.

At 9.10am her parents were notified via the nursery’s social media service. A staff member wrote: “While changing her nappy, I turned to get cream from the cupboard. As I did, Skye rolled off the mat and fell. She was sad but has had cuddles and is fine.”

The message mentioned an ice pack was applied, but her parents weren’t informed of the seriousness. When Skye showed discomfort at home, they took her to A&E, where an X-ray at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital confirmed a proximal tibial fracture in her right leg and a facial bruise.

Later that evening, a senior nursery staff member apologised, explaining the incident was due to a health and safety breach regarding “constant supervision.” Management clarified that the changing station was high-risk and the staff member responsible faced internal disciplinary action.

A Care Inspectorate review found five failings, including an incomplete update to the parents. Skye and Aaron now attend a different daycare provider.

A spokesperson for Digby Brown solicitors said: “An incident like this is a parent’s worst nightmare. Childcare is not just about trust but processes to ensure safety. It’s extremely fortunate this wasn’t more serious.

“We will support the Tucker family in civil action to ensure Skye recovers fully and care services improve.”

Little Clouds Nursery stated: “We sincerely apologise to the child and family. We didn’t meet the standards they deserved.

“An internal investigation identified policy changes and improvements needed to ensure child safety. Since then, we have worked with the Care Inspectorate and kept families informed.

“The staff member involved no longer works here and has been reported to relevant bodies. Other involved staff faced disciplinary action.

“This is our first incident in seven years, though one is too many. Our priority is making swift and robust changes to ensure this never happens again.

“We continue working with the Care Inspectorate and look forward to a future re-inspection.”

The Care Inspectorate has been contacted for comment.