© Tom Blewitt & Zack Griffiths – Predator Awareness

A teenage nursery worker who raped and sexually abused two young boys in his care has will spend the next decade behind bars.

Thomas Waller, now 18, was found guilty earlier this year at Staines Youth Court of rape, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity, and taking indecent photographs of children. The offences occurred at a private nursery in Surrey—whose name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons—between July and August 2024.

Waller had only recently begun working at the nursery for the summer when he exploited his position of trust. His duties included helping children get changed and taking them to the toilet. Within days, he used that access to target two boys, both as young as three years old.

At Guildford Crown Court, Judge Claire Harden-Frost described the emotional toll on the victims’ families: “It is heartbreaking to see the boys’ parents feeling responsible for what happened.”

One of the boys’ fathers delivered a harrowing victim impact statement, saying his son had “gathered a collection of memories that I would never wish on a human being.”

Waller, dressed in a white polo shirt and black coat, showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down.

The nursery where the abuse took place stated it took “immediate action” as soon as concerns were raised about the teenager.

Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, condemned the crimes and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safeguarding:

“I am appalled by the crimes committed by Thomas Waller and extend my deepest sympathies to the children and families affected.

As the local authority, we were informed by partners when these disclosures were first made about an individual working in a private nursery in Surrey.

We immediately undertook our duties to support the actions of safeguarding partners, and of Ofsted as the regulatory body for early years settings.

Our role has included co-ordinating information-sharing and actions between relevant bodies, as well as supporting the setting to implement actions identified for them by Ofsted.

The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority.

I would encourage anyone with concerns about someone who works with children and young people to contact the local authority designated officer.”

Thomas Waller was sentenced to 15 years at a young offender institution, of which he must serve 10 in detention and five on licence.