The case of Sarah Joyce, who has been jailed for a vicious attack on a child in her care, will chill the blood of parents everywhere.

There is no task more sacred than looking after children on behalf of their parents, and every parent who entrusts their child to the care of another adult must be able to do so with complete and utter trust.

Joyce’s former employees at the nursery where she worked did the right thing by dismissing her because of her attitude. There her association with other people’s children should have ended, as she was evidently not suited to looking after them.

Instead, she took it upon herself to offer private, unregistered childcare to a family, with almost tragic consequences.

Joyce’s unsuitability to care for children was brought into sharp and shocking relief when she almost strangled a 21-month-old boy.

This horrific case will drive home the importance of only using accredited, registered childcare, and every effort must be made to ensure that all parents have access to a safe and secure environment for their children.

It is only right and proper that Sarah Joyce has received a substantial prison sentence and a life ban from looking after children. She will hopefully use her time to reflect on the complete betrayal of trust that she has committed and which will earn her the disgust of everyone who has a child.