An assurance has been made by the education minister that revising safe sleeping guidelines in nurseries is a top priority following pleas from a grieving family.
Olivia Bailey, the Early Education Minister, expressed that the government is fully committed to safeguarding children.
This commitment follows the tragic death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan, affectionately known as “Gigi”, in nursery care in May 2022, prompting her parents, John and Katie Meehan, to advocate for urgent reforms in nurseries.
In an interview with The Mirror, the Meehans reiterated their “Campaign for Gigi” objectives, which advocate for clear statutory safer sleep requirements, unannounced and more frequent Ofsted inspections, and mandatory CCTV in nurseries.
Addressing the family’s plea for safe sleeping practices, Ms. Bailey stated, “It’s at the forefront of my priorities. We are working diligently to ensure the safety of our children.”
Ms. Bailey mentioned that Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has initiated a review of CCTV in early years settings to consider its potential mandatory use and proper implementation.
Furthermore, various measures have been implemented to enhance safeguarding, including strengthening Ofsted inspections, increasing funding and inspection frequency, updating safeguarding guidance, and a strong commitment to improving safe sleep guidelines as requested by Katie and John Meehan.
Tragically, Gigi passed away in nursery care in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, after being placed face-down and tightly swaddled on a bean bag, resulting in suffocation.
Since Gigi’s demise, the nursery sector has faced other distressing incidents, including the case of Noah Sibanda, who passed away after an incident at a nursery in Dudley, with a trial scheduled for April 2026.
Additionally, there have been disturbing cases involving individuals like Vincent Chan, a convicted paedophile who admitted to abusing children at a nursery in Camden, London, and Roksana Lecka, who was imprisoned for abusing 21 infants while working at a nursery in Twickenham, London.
