Genevieve Meehan parents hit out after baby's horror death at Tiny Toes nursery

The parents of a baby girl killed at her nursery are calling for mandatory training and compulsory CCTV in all nurseries in a new campaign. Nursery worker Kate Roughley was jailed for 14 years last May for the manslaughter of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan.

The 37-year-old left little Genevieve , a court heard. Roughley, who was the deputy manager at Tiny Toes in Stockport, , had ignored the tot's distressed cries for over 90 minutes before

Manchester Crown Court heard that she had Now, a year on from the trial, Genevieve's parents Katie Wheeler and John Meehan have launched a campaign to improve safety standards in nurseries across the UK.

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Writing on behalf of the family, Katie Wheeler said: “Like many other working parents, we enrolled Gigi at a nursery. We trusted that she would be kept safe. In choosing a nursery, we relied on the information available to us via the Ofsted inspection reports and reviews from other parents. We never imagined that she would come to harm whilst in the care of trained professionals.

“The way in which Gigi was put down to sleep carried a high and obvious risk of death. Her death was entirely preventable. When Greater Manchester Police commenced an investigation into the circumstance of Gigi’s death they reviewed CCTV footage. In doing so, they discovered multiple examples of harm being caused to children over a short period of time.

“Gigi is not the only child to die in a nursery in the last 5 years. It is incomprehensible that other families are suffering the same heartache that we are and we want to ensure that no child dies or comes to harm in a place where they are meant to be safe.

“Gigi deserved to but instead she has suffered and died in a way that no child or person ever should. The system failed Gigi and urgent reforms are needed.”

In the campaign the grieving parents are calling for compulsory CCTV in nursery settings, unannounced Ofsted inspections to be routine and a review of CCTV footage in Ofsted inspections.

Genevieve's family also want to see clear, statutory safe sleep guidance for early years settings and mandatory safe sleep training for all nursery staff and Ofsted inspectors. The campaign is urging for people to contact their local MP for support.

Paying tribute to Gigi, her parents said ‘to be in her company is to be in the presence of perfection’. The tribute reads: “Gigi loved every day she spent with family. She particularly enjoyed dancing, spending time with her sister and watching her little dog.

"Whilst she was born prematurely, she soon caught up with all of her milestones. This was probably helped by the fact she loved food. Spaghetti bolognese is her absolute favourite.

“To be in Gigi’s company is to be in the presence of perfection. From her beautiful eyes, captivating smile and mischievous personality, she is a precious and integral member of our family."