Nursery kids denied a kiss and a cuddle: Rising numbers of nurseries ban physical contact to stop paedophilia accusations Experts say young children who are not with their parents are likely to produce a stress hormone known as cortisol Staff warned not to cuddle children, because to do so could harm their independence. One nursery manager says: "I don't even kiss my own daughter while in nursery" Thousands of toddlers spend a whole day without a kiss or a cuddle at nursery to protect staff from paedophilia accusations. A rising number of nurseries are banning physical contact with children after the conviction of paedophile nursery worker Vanessa George. Some staff even face the sack for simply comforting toddlers distraught because they miss their mothers and fathers. Happy families: Young children who are not with their parents are likely to produce a stress hormone known as cortisol. Having access to a hug or even holding a hand of a key person can help to reduce anxiety (posed by models) However, child development experts are increasingly concerned at the move towards "no-kissing" policies, and claim the lack of contact threatens the well-being of children. They warn that denying young children affection can have a devastating impact on their development, their happiness and their stress levels. Penny Tassoni, president of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years, said: "It is actually the duty of anyone working with young children to offer physical contact. Young children who are not with their parents are likely to produce a stress hormone known as cortisol. Having access to a hug or even holding a hand of a key person can help to reduce anxiety. Policies that are draconian in terms of not allowing children to be reassured are not fit for purpose as they ignore children's right to being nurtured. An investigation by daynurseries.co.uk, a leading online guide to day nurseries and nursery schools, found that the kissing of children was being banned by a growing number, with workers facing disciplinary action if they disobey. Others tell staff not to cuddle children for all but briefest period, because to do so could harm their independence. The findings will concern parents who entrust their children to nurseries to allow both mother and father to go to work and are likely to reopen the controversy over whether nurseries are the best place to bring up children. One parent told an online forum: "The thought of a small baby in a nursery going all day without a kiss from someone makes me quite sad." Horrific: Vanessa George was jailed for an indeterminate period after sexually abusing children in her care in Plymouth. She swpped images of the abuse with two other paedophiles Vanessa George was jailed for an indeterminate period four years ago after sexually abusing children in her care in Plymouth and swapping images of the abuse with two other paedophiles. But the daynurseries.co.uk investigation found the fear of being accused of paedophilia was having a chilling effect in nurseries across the country, particularly for male staff. One nursery manager said: "I tell my staff not to kiss children and explain the reasons for it, to protect them from any allegations. Children naturally come to you for a kiss and a cuddle, and we always turn to the side so that they can kiss our cheeks. I don't even kiss my own daughter while in nursery. Nurseries are drawing up strict rules. For example, the policy of Twinkle Star Day Nursery in Portsmouth says: "Children are encouraged to be independent; therefore prolonged periods of cuddling and sitting on practitioners" laps is discouraged. Kissing children is forbidden and may result in a disciplinary. In Barnstaple, North Devon, Ladybirds Day Nursery's policy says: "While some contact is unavoidable (nappy changing and toilet training), there are other activities, often instigated by the children themselves, that we explain is not appropriate. This includes any form of kissing on cheek, forehead or lips when a parent is not present. But Sarah Steel, managing director of the Old Station Nursery chain, said cuddles were important for young children. She added: "All the evidence around attachment theory and the guidance in the Early Years" Foundation Stage supports close physical contact with the youngest children and the importance of contact for all children. A good, confident practitioner would know exactly what was appropriate, and less experienced staff need to have good role models.