PRESS RELEASE- CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE- Nursery admits corporate manslaughter over death of toddler suffocated to death

A recent case brought by the Crown Prosecution Service has highlighted the most serious consequences of safeguarding failures in early years settings.

A nursery in the West Midlands (Fairytales Day Nursery Limited) has admitted corporate manslaughter following the tragic death of a 14-month-old child, Noah Sibanda. The prosecution found that the nursery failed to ensure safe practices, ultimately leading to the child’s death.

What the Case Found

The court heard that unsafe sleeping arrangements were used, placing the child at significant risk. These failings were not isolated but reflected broader issues in how care was being delivered within the setting.

The CPS confirmed that the organisation’s failures amounted to a gross breach of its duty of care to protect the child.

Key Safeguarding Failures

This case highlights several critical areas where safeguarding broke down:

• Failure to follow safe sleep guidance

• Inadequate risk assessment and supervision

• Poor staff practice and oversight

• A lack of effective safeguarding culture within the setting

These failures ultimately resulted in a preventable tragedy.

Safeguarding Lessons for Early Years Providers

This case is a stark reminder that safeguarding must be at the centre of all practice. Early years providers should ensure:

• All staff are fully trained in safe sleep procedures

• Policies are not only in place but consistently followed

• Leaders maintain strong oversight and accountability

• Concerns about practice are identified and addressed immediatel.

A Culture of Vigilance

At RLB Safeguarding Ltd, we emphasise that safeguarding is not just about compliance, it is about creating a culture where children’s safety is prioritised at all times.

This tragic case reinforces the importance of vigilance, strong leadership, and continuous training to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.

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