The death of a seven-year-old autistic girl who drowned in a pond after wandering away from her childminder has sparked serious concerns about the safety of care for disabled children outside school settings.
Nyla May Bradshaw was found unresponsive in a pond on Owston Golf Course, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on March 30. She was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary but could not be resuscitated, an inquest heard.
Coroner's officer Jane McDonnell told Doncaster Coroner's Court that Nyla, who was non-verbal and had been diagnosed with autism, was being looked after by a childminder. During an excursion to a park in the Owston area, she passed through a gap in a fence and approached woodland near the golf course.
A search was launched after the childminder alerted police and Nyla's family. She was found face down in the pond, and despite efforts to save her, she died in hospital. A provisional inquest date has been set for December 8.
Children's autism charity Little Rainbows Doncaster described Nyla as 'beautiful' and 'deeply loved', adding that her death highlights 'systemic issues' in care provision for disabled children. The charity noted that Nyla attended a specialist school where she required one-to-one supervision at all times.
An online tribute page has raised more than £20,000 to support Nyla's family with funeral and other costs. South Yorkshire Police used drones and a helicopter in the extensive search operation.
