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'Our boy was abused at nursery - tougher checks are needed'
TL;DR
Parents of a boy abused at Tiny Toes nursery demand stronger safety measures after their son was mistreated just weeks before another child died there. The Department for Education is launching a safeguarding review in response to these incidents.
Key points
- Parents demand stronger safety measures at Tiny Toes nursery
- Genevieve Meehan died from asphyxiation in 2022
- The boy was mistreated just weeks before Genevieve's death
- Department for Education to launch a safeguarding review
- New guidance on nursery safety expected in autumn
Mentioned in this story
Tiny Toes nurseryGenevieve Meehan
The parents of a baby boy who was physically abused at the same nursery where another child was later killed, say stronger safety measures are "essential".
Nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan died at Tiny Toes nursery in Stockport in 2022, after being strapped face down on a beanbag for 90 minutes.
In an exclusive interview, the couple, who wish to remain anonymous, said their 10-month-old son was "discarded like a rag doll" by nursery staff, just two weeks before Genevieve died from asphyxiation.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the case was deeply disturbing, adding they were "launching a safeguarding review on digital devices and CCTV", with new guidance due in the autumn.
The boy's parents said his mistreatment was "an abuse of trust" after he was tightly swaddled by nursery staff and put to sleep on a "cold and hard" kitchen floor.
His mother said when her son cried and became distressed, a nursery worker shook him and threatened to "kick him" if he didn't go to sleep.
"She then shoved him back down on the floor causing him to hit his head."
The boy's mother said he was then "dropped into a cot" and "left to cry".
"You can't really fathom how someone can do that, especially to someone so young and innocent," the boy's father added.
"We are very lucky to still have our son," his mother said.
The physical abuse at the now-closed nursery, was carried out by Rebecca Gregory, who was jailed for wilfully ill-treating four children.
The couple only found out about their son's mistreatment when police reviewed CCTV footage in the nursery following the death of Genevieve Meehan.
Nursery worker Kate Roughly was convicted of Genevieve's manslaughter in 2024.
The couple are supporting a campaign for tougher safety checks on nurseries, led by Genevieve's parents.
There are calls for mandatory CCTV in nurseries, with regular spot checks.
The campaign is also asking for improved safe sleep training for all nursery staff.
The boy's parents would also like to see better pay for nursery workers, as well as making sure there are enough staff members for the number of children they're caring for.
"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", he added.
The couple's lawyer, Jacob Shaw from Simpson Millar said the abuse at Tiny Toes nursery was "not an isolated case".
Q&A
What happened to Genevieve Meehan at Tiny Toes nursery?
Genevieve Meehan died after being strapped face down on a beanbag for 90 minutes at Tiny Toes nursery in Stockport in 2022.
What abuse did the 10-month-old boy experience at the nursery?
The boy was reportedly discarded by staff and tightly swaddled before being placed to sleep on a cold kitchen floor.
What actions is the Department for Education taking regarding nursery safety?
The Department for Education is launching a safeguarding review focused on digital devices and CCTV, with new guidance expected in the autumn.
Why do the parents believe stronger safety measures are necessary?
The parents feel that their son's mistreatment was an abuse of trust and emphasize the need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
