Five complaints after suspected sexual assaults at a nursery school in Bordeaux – investigations opened

Bordeaux – 01.07.2026: The Bordeaux public prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary criminal investigation after several parents filed complaints alleging rape and sexual assault at a municipal nursery school. According to consistent local reports, five complaints are currently in the hands of the justice system. Investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing; the relevant police services have collected testimony and conducted initial interviews.

According to the statements, the investigation focuses on two employees of the non-teaching staff (Atsem), who carry out daily childcare and assistance duties in French nursery schools. Specific coercive measures such as police custody or summonses have not yet been confirmed by the authorities. The presumption of innocence applies to all persons involved until a court rules otherwise.

Since the allegations came to light, parents, the school management and the municipal administration have been in close contact. According to administrative sources, immediate protective measures have been taken for the children concerned. These usually include adapted care plans, separation from potentially problematic contact arrangements, and psychosocial support. The academic authorities and the Departmental Directorate of National Education Services have been notified; the municipality insists that safety and support are the priorities.

From a legal perspective, the public prosecutor’s office is examining whether it is necessary to open a formal judicial investigation or whether inquiries should continue as part of a preliminary investigation. At the same time, employment-law measures and disciplinary sanctions against staff may be considered if necessary to protect children and preserve the investigation. Medical examinations and confidential interviews with children are generally carried out in France under specific protection protocols, in order to avoid possible trauma and ensure the evidentiary value of the material collected.

This case comes amid heightened awareness of abuse in care and educational facilities. Since the beginning of 2026, several departments have strengthened their reporting plans and internal control mechanisms; cooperation between the justice system, police, academic inspectorates and municipalities has been standardized in many areas. Specialized services stress the need to document reports early, inform parents quickly and closely support staff.

Parent representatives in Bordeaux are calling for transparent information about the protective measures in force at the institution concerned and about possible reviews of the organization of procedures and supervision. Judicial authorities, for their part, call for restraint in the face of speculation and for the protection of the children’s privacy. The examination of testimony and other evidence is expected, based on the current situation, to take several days; the public prosecutor’s office will provide information on further action as soon as this can be done without compromising the proceedings.