The 30-minute programme being broadcast tonight on BBC North-West and Yorkshire, and available on iPlayer, focuses on the death of Genevieve Meehan, the nine-month-old who tragically died after being placed on a beanbag to sleep at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in 2022, and raises further instances of manhandling of children within other nurseries.
The parents of a nine-month-old baby who died at a nursery have spoken out, urging the government to introduce stricter safeguarding measures to protect children in early years settings.
Genevieve Meehan tragically lost her life due to asphyxiation after being tightly swaddled, strapped to a beanbag, and left unattended for 90 minutes at Tiny Toes nursery in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Her parents, Katie Wheeler and John Meehan, told the BBC in an emotional interview that life without their daughter is “unbearable.”
Ms Wheeler said she “never in a million years thought that anything like this would happen” when she sent Genevieve to nursery. The couple described as “horrifying” the BBC’s findings that nearly 20,000 serious childcare incidents were reported in England’s nurseries over the past five years—an average of 75 significant events per week, including injuries, neglect, and even deaths.
Rising Reports of Serious Incidents
Ofsted data reveals that serious incident reports in 2023-24 were 40% higher than five years ago. While Ofsted suggests this increase may be due to better reporting practices, experts warn it highlights a worrying decline in childcare standards.
Genevieve’s case is one of the most extreme examples of safeguarding failures. Nursery worker Kate Roughley was sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter after CCTV showed her ignoring Genevieve’s distress until the baby was “unresponsive and blue.” Shockingly, police reviewing the footage also uncovered a second staff member, Rebecca Gregory, who was later jailed for wilfully neglecting and mistreating children.
Calls for Tougher Safeguarding Measures
Ms Wheeler and Mr Meehan are now campaigning for:
- More frequent Ofsted inspections (currently, full inspections occur only every six years).
- Mandatory CCTV checks by inspectors (currently, Ofsted does not routinely review footage).
- Stricter staffing regulations to prevent dangerous understaffing.
However, a former Ofsted inspector told the BBC that current inspections are a “tick-box exercise” that can be “easily manipulated.” Some nurseries allegedly mislead inspectors by bringing in extra staff during announced visits, masking chronic understaffing.
A System Under Strain
The BBC spoke to over 20 nursery workers across England who admitted witnessing poor care, often due to short-staffing. Until 2015, Ofsted conducted unannounced inspections, but now, two-thirds of visits are scheduled in advance—giving nurseries time to cover up issues.
Freedom of Information requests to councils revealed 5,795 reports of harm to children by nursery workers between 2019-24—a sharp rise from previous years. Professor Helen Penn, an early childhood expert, warns that without urgent reform, there will be “more accidents, more harm to babies, and more unhappy parents and children.”
What’s Being Done?
The Department for Education (DfE) has pledged to introduce stronger safeguarding measures in September, including enhanced recruitment checks to prevent unsuitable people from working with children. Ofsted insists it provides “conspicuous care and monitoring” but admits it lacks the resources for more frequent inspections.
How Can Parents Ensure Their Child’s Safety?
- Check Ofsted reports but remain vigilant—inspections may not reflect daily realities.
- Ask about staff-to-child ratios—understaffing is a major risk factor.
- Push for transparency—demand to know safeguarding policies and incident reporting procedures.
The Vital Role of Whistleblowing in Early Years Safeguarding
The tragic death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan at Tiny Toes nursery has exposed critical gaps in childcare safeguarding. One key issue that could prevent such failures is effective whistleblowing—where staff report concerns about unsafe practices. But how does whistleblowing work in early years settings, and what should practitioners do if they witness neglect or harm?
Why Whistleblowing Matters in Nurseries
Whistleblowing is essential because:
- Children cannot advocate for themselves – Babies and young children rely entirely on adults to protect them.
- Early intervention saves lives – Reporting concerns promptly can prevent harm before it escalates.
- Culture of accountability – Encouraging transparency helps root out poor practice and complacency.
Despite this, many nursery workers fear retaliation or job loss if they speak up. The BBC’s investigation found that some staff witnessed dangerous understaffing or rough handling of children but felt powerless to act.
What Should Early Years Practitioners Do?
If a practitioner sees something concerning, they should:
1. Follow Their Setting’s Safeguarding Policy
- Every nursery must have a designated safeguarding lead (DSL). Concerns should be reported to them immediately.
- If the DSL does not act, practitioners must escalate the issue.
2. Report to External Authorities if Necessary
If internal reporting fails, or if the concern involves management, practitioners can contact:
- Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – For allegations against staff.
- Ofsted – Via their whistleblowing hotline (0300 123 3155) or email (whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk).
- NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) – For anonymous reporting.
3. Use Protected Disclosure Laws
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects whistleblowers from unfair dismissal or victimisation. Practitioners should:
- Keep records of concerns (emails, notes, CCTV references).
- Seek legal advice if they face retaliation.
4. Encourage a “Speak Up” Culture
- Managers should train staff regularly on safeguarding and whistleblowing.
- Nurseries must avoid penalising staff who report concerns in good faith.
Barriers to Whistleblowing – And How to Overcome Them
Many practitioners hesitate to report due to:
- Fear of losing their job – But legal protections exist.
- Loyalty to colleagues – However, safeguarding children must come first.
- Belief that nothing will change – Yet consistent reporting can force improvements.
What Needs to Change?
- Mandatory whistleblowing training for all nursery staff.
- Anonymous reporting systems in every setting.
- Stronger legal consequences for nurseries that suppress concerns.
Final Thoughts
Genevieve’s death shows the devastating cost of safeguarding failures. While parents rely on Ofsted ratings, real safety depends on staff feeling empowered to report risks. Whistleblowing is not disloyalty—it is a moral duty to protect children.
If you work in early years and see something wrong, speak up. A child’s life could depend on it.
For confidential advice, contact:
- NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285
- Ofsted Whistleblowing: 0300 123 3155
- Protect (Whistleblowing Charity): www.protect-advice.org.uk
