The great escape: Boy, three, scales 6ft fence in nursery getaway bid
A three-year-old child managed to climb a 6ft high fence and escape from a nursery based in Oldbury - prompting calls for an urgent safety review.
The youngster, believed to be a boy, scaled the plastic and metal mesh fence outside Christchurch Primary School in Albert Street, where the nursery is based, and wandered down the street. A passer-by saw him a few minutes later and took him back.
Staff, who have been left stunned by his escape on Friday afternoon, said he was missing for around four minutes.
Parents and residents have spoken of their shock and called for security to be tightened.
Headteacher Michaela Long vowed to review security at the nursery following the escape by the boy.
She said: "It was impossible to foresee that a small child would be able to scale a 6ft fence.
"We have followed all the necessary procedures and are investigating.
"We will review our safety measures to make sure nothing like this happens again."
Ward councillor Susan Downing said this was the first time she had ever heard of such an incident.
"It's not something I've ever come across in my ward and is obviously deeply concerning. I hope the school is making every effort to ensure something like this does not happen again," she said.
"Every parent likes to think and make sure their child is safe at school and rest assured school staff have child safety as a primary concern, as it is the most important thing in all of this.
"I hope the school endeavours to plan ahead in making it a priority this doesn't in future."
Kemal Zekirev, aged 29, has a daughter in reception and was shocked by the news.
He said: "I can't understand how a child climbing over a 6ft fence can go unnoticed. I've never had any problems at the school but this news has shocked me, I hope it will be the only time something like this happens."
One parent who did not want to be named and has a daughter in Year 1, said: "It's not something I'm surprised about hearing, but it is still disgusting that it's happened."
A spokesman for Ofsted, which inspects standards at nurseries and schools, said: "We do not confirm or comment on any complaints received about a provider. However, we consider all complaints seriously, and as quickly as possible."
