Our boy was abused at nursery – tougher checks are needed

Parents reveal abuse of 10-month-old after fatal incident at nursery

A family has shared their experience of a 10-month-old boy being physically mistreated at a nursery connected to the death of a child in 2022. The couple, who have chosen to remain anonymous, described how their son was treated with “callous disregard” just weeks before another child, Genevieve Meehan, died from asphyxiation at the same facility. The nursery, now closed, was the site of a tragic incident that has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety measures in childcare settings.

“We are very lucky to still have our son,” said the boy’s mother. “You can’t really fathom how someone can do that, especially to someone so young and innocent.”

The parents claim their child was tightly swaddled by staff and placed on a “cold and hard” kitchen floor to sleep. When he cried and showed distress, a worker shook him and warned he would be “kicked” if he didn’t quiet down. The boy’s mother recounted how the staff member then shoved him back onto the floor, causing him to hit his head. He was left “dropped into a cot” and “left to cry” afterward.

The incident came to light when police examined CCTV footage from the nursery following Genevieve’s death. Rebecca Gregory, the nursery worker responsible for the abuse, was jailed for the wilful mistreatment of four children. Another staff member, Kate Roughly, was convicted of Genevieve’s manslaughter in 2024.

The parents are backing a campaign for enhanced nursery safety, led by Genevieve’s family. They are urging the government to implement mandatory CCTV systems, conduct regular inspections, and improve staff training on safe sleep practices. They also want better wages for caregivers and adequate staffing levels to ensure proper attention to each child.

“I think it’s imperative that the changes get implemented as quickly as possible,” said the boy’s father. “Otherwise, some of these circumstances could happen again.”

A Department for Education representative described the case as “deeply disturbing” and a “serious breach of trust.” The agency is set to introduce new guidance on safer sleep practices this autumn, alongside updated legal standards and increased Ofsted inspections. They are also launching a safeguarding review focused on digital devices and CCTV systems, emphasizing the need for “clearer whistleblowing procedures” and “tougher recruitment checks.”

The couple’s lawyer, Jacob Shaw of Simpson Millar, stated the abuse at Tiny Toes was “not an isolated case.” He stressed that while CCTV is vital, it must be paired with spot checks to prevent future incidents. “Without these measures, the risk of harm remains,” he added.

The tragedy has highlighted concerns about child safety in nurseries. Campaigners argue that without stricter oversight, similar cases could occur, urging swift action to protect vulnerable children.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230.