A nursery practitioner from Dudley has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the tragic death of a 14-month-old boy at a local day nursery.
Noah Sibanda, described by his grieving parents as “a beautiful, happy and easy-going little boy”, died after an incident at Fairytales Day Nursery on Bourne Street, Dudley, on 9 December 2022.
Following an extensive investigation by West Midlands Police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised criminal charges in connection with the toddler’s death.
Kimberley Cookson, 22, who was employed as a nursery practitioner at the time, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter, the CPS confirmed on Friday.
In addition, Fairytales Nursery Limited has been charged with corporate manslaughter and failing to comply with health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Deborah Latewood, 54, the director and owner of the business, faces one charge of failing to comply with general duties under health and safety legislation.
Four other individuals who were arrested during the course of the investigation will face no further action, police said.
In a heartfelt tribute, Noah’s parents said: “Noah was a beautiful, happy and easy-going little boy, and we miss him very much.”
The nursery, along with affiliated premises, ceased operating shortly after the incident. It was formally closed by Ofsted on 14 December 2022, after the education watchdog suspended its registration citing concerns that “children may be at risk of harm”.
The defendants are scheduled to appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 13 May.
