A child is dropped off at nursery with no nappies and dirty bottles. This is likely a sign of:

The presence of a child arriving at nursery without proper necessities like nappies and with dirty bottles strongly indicates neglect. Neglect occurs when a child's basic needs are not met by caregivers, which includes failing to provide adequate hygiene, nutrition, and clothing. In this scenario, the dirty bottles and lack of nappies suggest that the child’s welfare is not being adequately looked after, which falls squarely within the definition of neglect.

While other factors like poverty or emotional disturbance might contribute to a child’s situation, neglect directly pertains to the failure of caregivers to care for the child appropriately. Abandonment typically suggests a complete lack of a responsible caretaker, which isn’t necessarily implied in this case, as there are adult caregivers who may be failing to meet their responsibilities. Emotional disturbance usually refers to psychological issues that affect a child’s behavior or emotional state, rather than the physical neglect of their immediate needs. Thus, recognizing the signs of neglect is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safety of the child in a childcare setting.