Five complaints after suspected sexual offenses in a preschool in Bordeaux – investigations opened

Bordeaux – 01.07.2026: The public prosecutor’s office in Bordeaux has opened a preliminary criminal inquiry after several parents filed complaints alleging rapes and sexual assaults in a municipal Ecole maternelle. According to consistent local reports, the judiciary currently has five complaints. Investigations into the specific circumstances are ongoing; the responsible police departments have collected information and conducted initial interviews.

At the center of the review are, according to current statements, two employees of the non-pedagogical service (Atsem) who carry out daily care and support tasks in French preschools. Concrete coercive measures such as arrests or summons have not yet been confirmed by the authorities. The presumption of innocence applies to all involved until a court decides otherwise.

Parents, school management and the city administration have been in close contact since the allegations became known. According to sources within the administration, short-term protective measures for affected children have been implemented. These usually include adapted care plans, the separation of potentially problematic contact constellations and psychosocial support. The academy leadership and the Direction des services departementaux de l’Education nationale are involved; the municipality emphasizes that safety and care are the top priorities.

Legally, the Parquet is examining whether a formal Information judiciaire is necessary or whether the investigations will continue within the framework of a preliminary inquiry. In parallel, labour and disciplinary steps against staff can be reviewed if this is deemed necessary to protect children and to secure the investigations. Medical examinations and confidential hearings of children are generally conducted in France under special protection standards in order to avoid possible retraumatization and to secure evidence admissible in court.

The case comes at a time of increased sensitivity to assaults in care and educational institutions. Since the beginning of 2026 several departments have tightened reporting plans and internal control mechanisms; cooperation between the judiciary, police, school supervision and municipalities has been standardized in many places. Specialist offices point out that indications should be documented early, parents informed promptly and staff closely supported.

Parent representatives in Bordeaux are calling for transparent information about the currently applicable protective measures at the affected school and about possible reviews of procedures and supervision. The investigative authorities meanwhile ask for restraint from speculation and for protection of the children’s privacy. The evaluation of statements and further clues will, as things stand, take several days; the public prosecutor’s office will inform about further steps as soon as this is possible without endangering the proceedings.