A West Lothian practitioner pushed a child's head back with her fingers after they bit another child.
Simona Cornea was employed a a trainee child practitioner at Wee Gems Nursery in Armadale when the incident took place on May 24, 2022. After the youngster bit another child, Cornea placed her fingers on their head and pushed them back.
The Scottish Social Services Council said Cornea's actions were serious as social service workers must not "abuse, harm or neglect" vulnerable members of society. As a result, a 12-month warning was placed on her registration.
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They say Cornea's actions placed the child at risk of physical harm and also has the potential to cause the child distress and show them that she was annoyed or frustrated at them.
The hearing concluded that although Cornea made an initial mistake, there was limited force used which resulted in minimal movement to the child's head. They added: "In the circumstances, your behaviour appears to have been an instantaneous response to the child biting another child an attempt to highlight the unacceptability of the child’s behaviour to them.
"Nevertheless, this was an inappropriate and unacceptable way to respond to the situation."
The panel said Cornea had a period of positive previous practice and an unblemished record in social care prior to this behaviour and no harm was caused to the child.
A spokesperson for Wee Gems confirmed that Ms Cornea was dismissed from her position following the incident and both sets of parents were informed.
They added: "A member of staff has been dismissed for taking inappropriate action in response to one child biting another. Both sets of parents were informed. Along with the SSSC we are satisfied this was an isolated incident. We take our safeguarding role very seriously and our number one priority is to ensure the safety of all our children at all times."
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