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Three-year-old back in nursery as Evanton mum draws line under 'breakout'


By Donna MacAllister

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Nicole Masterton Kiltearn and her daughter Brooke outside Kiltearn Primary, Evanton...Picture: Callum Mackay. Image No..
Nicole Masterton Kiltearn and her daughter Brooke outside Kiltearn Primary, Evanton...Picture: Callum Mackay. Image No..

A MUM whose three-year-old escaped from Evanton's Kiltearn Nursery has put the child back into the facility after security was boosted at the site.

Nicole Masterton said her mind is more at ease after the nursery door was fixed.

The 25-year-old has been calling for a higher gate and fencing since her daughter Brooke escaped from the facility which is attached to the primary school last September.

She strongly believes "human error" caused the horror scenario in which the youngster got beyond the playground gate before crossing two busy roads and a bridge.

She was found in her grandmother's garden half-a-mile away with a bleeding knee and crying for her mother.

The police concluded it was a Highland Council matter and the issue was also reported to government inspectors.

The council contacted the family and confirmed the school had "reviewed its policies and procedures to help ensure children are kept safe".

Speaking this week, Miss Masterton said it was time to draw a line under the shocking incident but she vowed to continue to press for better fencing.

She said: "Brooke is due to start school there in August and I'm not holding her back. I feel like its wrong to do that even though I still feel nursery should have high fencing.

"I have to say though I am feeling a bit better about things because they have done some things to make it more secure. They're doing checks when kids are coming and going out. There's a lock on the nursery door and the two teachers in Brooke's nursery have been absolutely brilliant. You could not ask for better.

How we previously reported the story.
How we previously reported the story.

"It's not their fault this happened. It was one teacher who clearly turned a blind eye and if there had been better security fencing at that side she would not have got out in the first place. A monkey could open that gate; it's not safe at all."

A Highland Council spokeswoman said security arrangements at council properties were confidential but added that the school has "reviewed its policies and procedures to help ensure children are kept safe".


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