The heartbroken parents of a baby girl who tragically lost her life at her nursery are spearheading a campaign for compulsory safe sleep training and mandatory CCTV in all nurseries. Nursery worker Kate Roughley was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in May last year after being convicted of the manslaughter of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan. The 37 year old had swaddled Genevieve, strapped her face down on a bean bag and left her unattended for an hour-and-a-half.
Roughley was responsible for Genevieve’s care in her capacity as deputy manager and ‘baby room leader’ at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022. Manchester Crown Court heard evidence of Roughley displaying ‘hostility’ towards the infant in the days leading up to her untimely death. A year on from the trial, parents Katie Wheeler and John Meehan have initiated a campaign aimed at enhancing safety standards in early years settings.
Their campaign advocates for compulsory CCTV in nurseries; routine unannounced Ofsted inspections in early years settings; review of CCTV footage during Ofsted inspections; clear, statutory safe sleep guidance for early years settings; mandatory safe sleep training for all nursery staff and Ofsted inspectors; and clear statutory guidance regarding the use of sleep products in early years settings, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The campaign, which can be accessed here, is encouraging individuals to reach out to their local MP to request their support. Speaking on behalf of the family, Katie Wheeler stated: “On 9 May 2022, our daughter Genevieve Zofia Meehan (Gigi as we call her) was tragically killed at Tiny Toes Nursery in Stockport.
“Gigi brought love, joy and laughter into our lives and we loved her instantly. She was mischievous, loving and full of wonder at the world around her. Our lives were so enriched by her laugh, her beautiful face and her sense of fun. Like many other working parents, we enrolled Gigi at a nursery. We trusted that she would be kept safe.
“In choosing a nursery, we relied on the information available to us via the Ofsted inspection reports and reviews from other parents. We never imagined that she would come to harm whilst in the care of trained professionals. The way in which Gigi was put down to sleep carried a high and obvious risk of death. Her death was entirely preventable.
“When Greater Manchester Police commenced an investigation into the circumstance of Gigi’s death they reviewed CCTV footage. In doing so, they discovered multiple examples of harm being caused to children over a short period of time. Gigi is not the only child to die in a nursery in the last 5 years. It is incomprehensible that other families are suffering the same heartache that we are and we want to ensure that no child dies or comes to harm in a place where they are meant to be safe.
“Gigi deserved to live a long and fulfilling life but instead she has suffered and died in a way that no child or person ever should. The system failed Gigi and urgent reforms are needed.” In their heartfelt homage, they remarked ‘to be in her company is to be in the presence of perfection’.
Their tribute stated: “Gigi loved every day she spent with family. She particularly enjoyed dancing, spending time with her sister and watching her little dog. Whilst she was born prematurely, she soon caught up with all of her milestones. This was probably helped by the fact she loved food. Spaghetti bolognese is her absolute favourite.
“To be in Gigi’s company is to be in the presence of perfection. From her beautiful eyes, captivating smile and mischievous personality, she is a precious and integral member of our family.”