Former nursery nurse practitioner Kimberley Cookson, 22, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of 14-month-old Noah Sibanda
A nursery worker is alleged to have killed a “beautiful, happy and easy-going” 14-month-old toddler.
West Midlands Police launched an investigation following the death of Noah Sibanda following an incident at Fairytales Day Nursery, in Bourne Street, Dudley, on December 9, 2022. Kimberley Cookson, 22, who had been a nurse practitioner at the nursery, was charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. Fairytales Nursery Limited was also charged with one count of corporate manslaughter as well as failing to comply with a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act, prosecutors have said.
The CPS added that Deborah Latewood, 54, who was the director and business owner, has been charged with one count of failing to comply with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Noah’s parents paid tribute to him through police, saying: “Noah was a beautiful, happy and easy-going little boy and we miss him very much.”
The nursery was closed by Ofsted, along with other linked premises, on December 14 2022, after the watchdog said “children may be at risk of harm” and suspended its registration. Six women were initially arrested in connection with the investigation in the weeks after Noah’s death.
Police said the four others who were arrested will face no further action. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by West Midlands Police, we have authorised criminal charges in relation to the death of a 14-month-old child at a nursery in Dudley.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Noah Sibanda at this time. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.” The defendants will appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on May 13.
Following little Noah’s death, the nursery told parents they might not get refunds despite it having closed down. Ofsted, which inspects schools and education sites across the country, closed down Fairytales Day Nursery and all of its other linked premises.
Director Steff Latewood said she hoped to re-open one of the sites back in 2023. In a message previously sent to parents, she apologised for the lack of communication with families who had children at the nursery.
“Things have spiralled out of all control and we have been left numb, alone and unsure what to do,” said said according to reports by Mirror affiliate BirminghamLive. Referring to the investigation, she added: “We have done everything asked of us by all involved.”
