Christopher Lillie and Dawn Reed may have had their lives permanently blighted by those accusations, and searching questions must be asked about how the report condemning them came to its conclusions and about how the nursery children were questioned about events - a process which seems likely to have been traumatic in itself.
The mass hysteria and witch-hunting that seem to follow any suspicion of child abuse can only harm the relationship between families and nursery workers, breaking down vital trust and affection. How can nursery nurses do their jobs properly if they are wary of cuddling and comforting children in case their behaviour is misinterpreted?
However, we should also remember that children in the UK need their right to be listened to enshrined in law, and that continuing to allow the smacking of children does nothing to encourage the development of a society where child abuse is abhorrent and unthinkable.
