Four employees from the Casanueces nursery in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, have been arrested following the release of disturbing footage showing a young child being violently abused.
The video, secretly recorded by a student on a work placement at the nursery, captures a horrifying scene where a female staff member slams a toddler against a wall, squeezes the child’s face, and yells, “Don’t spit your food!” as the child cries out in distress.
“I’m so fed up with you,” she continues, before repeatedly shoving the child’s head against the wall. Moments later, she drags the child onto her lap and force-feeds him while threatening, “If you spit it out, I’ll put it back in,” and adding, “If he vomits, you’re screwed.”
In the background, another staff member can be seen watching the abuse unfold without intervening.
According to a police statement, two staff members have been arrested for physically abusing the child, while two others were detained for failing to report the incident.
The footage has sparked outrage across Spain, with parents demanding answers and immediate action from local authorities. The nursery has since been closed, and the City of Torrejón de Ardoz has formally requested that the Madrid Department of Education open a full investigation.
A heartbroken mother named Nancy told Spanish outlet Antena 3 that she has been unable to sleep since seeing the video. Her 18-month-old daughter attends the nursery, and Nancy now believes the child’s recent refusal to eat could be linked to similar treatment.
“Everything I saw is burned into my memory,” she said. “Now I understand why my daughter suddenly lost her appetite.”
The City Council has also asked the education inspection service to evaluate the nursery’s management and staff conduct. Support services are being provided to affected families.
