Nursery Worker, Director and Company to be Sentenced Over Toddler's Tragic Death
A nursery worker, its director and the company itself are set to be sentenced today following the tragic death of a 14-month-old boy who suffocated at a nursery in the West Midlands. Noah Sibanda lost his life at Fairytales Day Nursery in Bourne Street, Dudley, after being physically restrained in a dangerous manner by staff attempting to make him fall asleep.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The Crown Prosecution Service has revealed that the incident, which occurred on December 9, 2022, was captured on CCTV. Nursery practitioner Kimberley Cookson, aged 23, tightly wrapped Noah in a sleeping bag with a blanket over his head and laid him face down to sleep. Cookson then held the toddler face down on a cushion and restrained him with her leg for a period of time.
The CPS stated this appeared to be an effort to make him sleep when he did not want to. Noah was later found not breathing, emergency services were called, but he was pronounced dead in hospital.
Legal Admissions and Charges
Kimberley Cookson has admitted to gross negligence manslaughter in relation to her actions. Last month, Fairytales Day Nursery Limited pleaded guilty to one count of corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Director and business owner Deborah Latewood, 55, also admitted a Health and Safety at Work Act offence. Her admission was based on the fact that she did not know, but should have known, that children were being put down to sleep in a dangerous manner at the nursery.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Cookson, Latewood and the now-closed nursery will be sentenced by Mr Justice Choudhury at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The case has highlighted severe failures in childcare practices and safety protocols at the facility.
The tragic death of Noah Sibanda underscores critical issues in nursery oversight and staff training, prompting broader concerns about child safety in early years settings across the region.
