In a shocking incident that has rattled the community of Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, four employees of a local daycare have been arrested following allegations of severe mistreatment of infants. The arrests, which occurred on April 11, 2025, were prompted by a disturbing video that surfaced, showing a caregiver abusing a one-and-a-half-year-old girl at the Cascanueces daycare.
The video, shared by Antena 3, captured the caregiver, identified as Raquel, forcefully holding the child against a wall while yelling at her and violently feeding her. Phrases such as "If you spit it out, I'll put it back in" and "Don't spit out the food, swallow it" were heard as the child cried in distress. The footage showed the caregiver shaking the child and hitting her head against the wall, with other staff members present but failing to intervene.
According to the Policía Nacional, the investigation began after several parents filed complaints upon witnessing the video recorded by a trainee employee. This intern, named Nicole, played a crucial role in exposing the abuse, stating that the mistreatment was a daily occurrence during meal times at the daycare. She reported that staff would often force-feed children and threaten them with food from the floor if they refused to eat.
Nicole's mother, Coral, encouraged her to share the video with authorities, which ultimately led to the arrests. The police detained Raquel on the night of April 10, and the following morning, two additional caregivers and the daycare's director were also arrested. The director and one other caregiver face allegations of failing to report the abuse, while Raquel and another caregiver are being investigated for crimes against moral integrity.
The daycare, located on Río Pelayo street, has since been closed, and the community is in an uproar over the incident. On April 11, a group of concerned parents gathered outside the facility to demand answers and accountability from the daycare management.
In a televised interview, Raquel admitted to her actions, claiming she "went a little too far" during a particularly challenging day with the child. She described the child as having eating issues and expressed frustration over the repeated need to inform the parents that their daughter had not eaten. Raquel stated, "It’s hard to tell a father day after day that his child isn’t eating. After the child bit and spat at me, I may have overreacted and forced two spoonfuls into her mouth." This justification has sparked outrage among parents and the public, who are calling for stricter measures against such behavior in childcare facilities.
The Ayuntamiento of Torrejón de Ardoz has taken immediate action by requesting an urgent investigation from the Dirección de Área Territorial Madrid-Este of the Comunidad de Madrid's Department of Education, Science, and Universities. They are seeking to establish stringent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in educational settings. Furthermore, the Inspección Educativa of the Comunidad de Madrid has opened its own inquiry into the private daycare.
Local authorities have also offered support to families affected by this incident, providing assistance for enrolling their children in other daycare centers. Affected parents are encouraged to reach out to the Ayuntamiento for guidance and support as the investigation unfolds.
This incident is not an isolated case; it highlights a broader issue of childcare safety and the need for stringent oversight in daycare facilities. The community's reaction underscores the urgency of ensuring that children are protected from harm and that caregivers are held accountable for their actions. As investigations continue, many are left wondering how such abuse could go unnoticed in a place meant to be a safe haven for children.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging any parents who suspect their children may have been victims of mistreatment at the Cascanueces daycare to come forward. The police are conducting interviews with parents and gathering additional evidence to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
In conclusion, the events at the Cascanueces daycare serve as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with caring for young children. The community is left to grapple with the implications of such abuse and the necessary steps that must be taken to prevent it from happening again in the future.
