On Monday, as a mother arrived at the First Steps learning centre in Bangor to pick up her child, she was shocked to hear that her one-year-old had been “already taken” by another man earlier in the day.

After reviewing security footage, it was discovered that a grandfather of another baby was given the wrong child.

He didn’t realise and was equally disturbed by the mishap.

First Steps learning centre has apologised in a letter to parent and has promised to strengthen their drop-off and pick-up protocols.

The letter also reveals the educator involved in the mix-up has been stood down following the incident.

A letter from the center stated that the educator involved had received comprehensive induction training and was familiar with the rules for dropping off and picking up children. The center decided that this individual would not return to work at the Bangor Service.

They are cooperating with the Department of Education, the Office of the Children’s Guardian, and NSW Police to investigate the incident further and exploring the possibility of additional training for the educator. However, they assured that any such training will not take place at the Bangor facility.