Investigation Continues into Physical and Sexual Violence in Parisian After-School Programs

On 20 May, French police arrested more than a dozen individuals over suspicions of child abuse at a nursery school in Paris, France. This is the latest development tied to a larger investigation into allegations of child abuse by non-teachers at more than 100 nurseries and primary schools in the city.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire acknowledged that the investigation has uncovered “systemic” failings in the protection of minors and accountability, according to news outlet France24.

Recent Arrests and Cases

The arrests were carried out by officers from the Brigade de Protection des Mineurs—a specialized police unit that investigates crimes against children.

The arrested individuals, ages 18 to 68, have been linked to the Saint-Dominique nursery school in the 7th district of Paris and are being held on several charges, including rape of a minor, sexual assault of a minor, and violence against a minor, according to Le Monde. Several of these employees were previously suspended from their jobs in response to multiple reports of abuse and the release of a documentary that included violent incidents captured with the use of a hidden camera.

In a different case, a court in Paris is scheduled to issue a ruling in June concerning a school monitor, 47, accused of sexually assaulting three girls and sexually harassing nine 10-year-old girls in 2024.

Another trial began on 26 May involving a school assistant for the Alphonse Baudin junior school in the 11th district. The assistant is accused of sexualized touching with five children.

The Larger Investigation

Parents have accused non-teaching staff—including those responsible for children outside of classrooms, such as during recess, lunch, after-school care, before being picked up from school, and similar times that are referred to as périscolaire—of mistreatment or abuse of students in their care. These staffers are also known as animateurs or assistants.

Laure Beccuau, the city’s head prosecutor, said investigators were reviewing abuse allegations against staff at 20 primary schools and 84 nurseries throughout all 20 districts of Paris.

While teachers are hired by the Education Ministry, non-teaching staff for périscolaire periods are hired by city officials. These staffing positions often offer low pay for temporary postings and require minimal training. They are a daily presence for students up to age 11, with nursery school being mandatory for children starting at the age of three.

Two groups of parents are at the forefront, demanding investigations into the abuse, accountability, and improvements—#MeTooEcoles and SOS Périscolaire. These groups said that they have been working for years for authorities to take abuse allegations in schools seriously, but that failures in recruiting and vetting staff created an environment for abuse to continue, according to The Guardian.

“Accusations against school monitors reported by parents across France include children being screamed at, pushed, having their hair pulled, being denied food, forced to eat until they vomited, and being sexually assaulted or raped,” The Guardian reported.

Along with promising €20 million ($23.4 million) dedicated to reforming the recruitment process for animateurs, Grégoire agreed to establish a cross-party inquiry into how the city handles périscolaire. He is also working with parents to identify how to improve child protection and address after-school hours.

Grégoire’s current policy is to suspend staffers the moment they are accused of any kind of abuse, and since the beginning of 2026, nearly 80 animateurs have been suspended. Some parents have supported a zero-tolerance approach, including Barka Zerouali, cofounder of #MeTooEcoles.

“Behind each suspension, there is a child. And wherever there is a doubt, the priority must be the child’s protection,” Zerouali told France24.

However, others have objected to this policy, calling instead for more considerate treatment, especially when dealing with less egregious allegations. On 19 May, unions called a strike in the périscolaire, citing grievances with capricious suspensions and poor working conditions, including understaffing and low pay.

“The hundred or so suspended staff and the increase in sick leave are accelerating the staff shortage, which is further straining working conditions. It’s a vicious cycle,” said Nicolas Léger, co-general secretary of SUPAP-FSU, the union for Paris City Hall employees, to Le Monde.