Toddler Suffocates at Dudley Nursery in 'Every Parent's Worst Nightmare'
A tragic incident at a Dudley nursery has led to criminal admissions after a 14-month-old toddler suffocated to death during a dangerous sleep practice. Noah Sibanda lost his life on December 9, 2022, at Fairytales Day Nursery in Bourne Street, with prosecutors describing the case as deeply distressing.
Details of the Fatal Restraint
Court proceedings revealed that nursery worker Kimberley Cookson placed Noah face down on a soft cushion, tightly wrapped him in a sleeping bag, and covered his face with a blanket. She then physically restrained him by putting her leg over the toddler in an effort to make him sleep when he resisted.
This restraint created a suffocating environment where the child could neither breathe properly nor move. After a considerable period, staff noticed Noah was not breathing and called emergency services. He was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly afterward.
CCTV Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The entire incident was captured on the nursery's CCTV system, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution. Fairytales Day Nursery Limited pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 25, 2026.
Director Deborah Latewood admitted a Health and Safety offence, acknowledging she should have known about the dangerous sleep practices despite claiming ignorance. Cookson previously pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter for her direct role in Noah's death.
Systemic Failures and Closure
The private nursery, which has since been permanently closed by Ofsted in April 2023, accepted criminal responsibility for systemic failures in child safety protocols. Alex Johnson, senior specialist prosecutor for the CPS, stated that nursery providers have a fundamental duty to protect children in their care.
"This case underscores the devastating consequences of what happens when that duty is breached," Johnson said. "Noah should have been safe in the care of professionals entrusted with his well-being."
Sentencing and Aftermath
Cookson, 23, of The Broadway, Dudley, and Latewood, 55, of Himley Avenue, Dudley, will be sentenced alongside the nursery corporation at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 16. The prosecution emphasized that the dangerous sleeping practices posed an obvious and serious risk of harm to young children.
Expert medical findings confirmed that Noah's ability to breathe and move was severely restricted by the restraint method used. The case has highlighted critical safety concerns in childcare settings and the tragic outcomes when proper protocols are not followed.
