In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Surrey community and beyond, 18-year-old Thomas Waller, a former nursery worker, has been sentenced to 15 years in a young offender institution for the rape and sexual abuse of boys as young as three years old. The offences, which occurred during the summer months of 2024 at a private nursery in Surrey, have prompted widespread outrage and a renewed focus on safeguarding measures in early years settings.
Waller, who had only recently qualified to work with young children, began working at the nursery for the summer. His responsibilities included taking children to the toilet and helping them get changed—duties that, tragically, provided him with the opportunity to exploit and abuse two boys in his care within days of starting the job. The nursery, which cannot be named for legal reasons, has been at the center of the investigation and subsequent trial.
According to BBC, the abuse came to light when the mother of one of the young victims was told by her son that he had been assaulted in a toilet at the nursery. She described the moment as "very shocking for me to hear," recounting how she questioned her son in different ways to ensure his story was consistent. "In fact, he was adding more and more explanation of what happened," she told BBC South East. Acting swiftly, she informed the nursery, which immediately contacted the police. Waller was arrested that same evening.
The subsequent investigation led to Waller being charged with rape, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity, and taking indecent photos. The trial at Staines Youth Court earlier in 2025 resulted in his conviction on all counts. On November 14, 2025, Judge Claire Harden-Frost handed down the sentence at Guildford Crown Court, ordering Waller to serve 10 years in detention followed by five years on licence.
During sentencing, Judge Harden-Frost addressed the emotional toll on the victims' families, stating, "It’s heartbreaking that one of the effects of your actions is that the parents of your victims feel responsible." The judge highlighted how Waller had used his trusted position at the nursery to abuse the boys "within days of being able to supervise children going to the bathroom." Waller, who sat in the dock wearing a white polo shirt and black coat, reportedly showed no reaction as his sentence was read out.
One of the most poignant moments in court came from a victim impact statement read by one of the boys' fathers. He described the trauma his son endured, saying, "He has gathered a collection of memories that I would never wish on a human being." The statement continued, "Three things have kept us going; justice for our little boy; to protect other children from this dangerous, calculating predator; and to ensure that lessons are learnt for nurseries in Surrey and beyond that mean it is harder for paedophiles to abuse children." The father added, "We should be telling them that he doesn't like carrots, not that he has been raped."
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) played a crucial role in ensuring the seriousness of the case was recognized. CPS barrister Rio Pahlavanpour told BBC that he had advised the court the offences were "too serious to be dealt with by the youth court," noting, "I had said that, were he an adult, for the most serious offence he would receive a sentence of 13 years - that range being between 11 and 17 [years]."
The nursery at the center of the case has been unequivocal in its response. In a statement reported by Daily Star, the management said, "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." They detailed the immediate actions taken: "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 the incident, the nursery has conducted a comprehensive review of its safeguarding policies and staff training, further strengthening measures to protect children.
Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, expressed his horror at the crimes. "I am appalled by the crimes committed by Thomas Waller and extend my deepest sympathies to the children and families affected," he said, according to The Independent. Hulley emphasized the council's role in coordinating with partners and Ofsted, the regulatory body for early years settings, to support information-sharing and implement necessary actions. "The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority," he stated. "I would encourage anyone with concerns about someone who works with children and young people to contact the local authority designated officer."
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of young children in care settings and the critical importance of robust safeguarding procedures. The nursery's swift action—immediately suspending Waller, contacting police, and cooperating fully with the investigation—has been widely acknowledged. The business has also provided ongoing support to the affected families, staff, and the wider nursery community, reinforcing its commitment to safety.
For many parents and caregivers, the revelations have been deeply unsettling. The mother of one victim described Waller as "a very dangerous individual," telling BBC South East, "That he can do this at such a young age and in such a calculated way, I find very frightening." The case has also sparked broader calls for lessons to be learned, not just in Surrey but across the UK, to ensure it becomes increasingly difficult for abusers to exploit positions of trust in childcare settings.
Support organizations have been quick to remind the public that help is available for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers confidential support through its helplines and website (www.rapecrisis.org.uk). In the US, Rainn provides assistance via 800-656-HOPE (4673). Both organizations stress the importance of seeking help and not facing trauma alone.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of Waller’s crimes, the focus remains on healing for the victims and their families, and on ensuring that the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained in every nursery and childcare setting. The hope is that, through vigilance, transparency, and support, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
