UK Pre-School Worker Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter of 14-Month-Old Boy at Daycare

Tragedy in England: a pre-school worker has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a 14-month-old boy at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley. In court this week, 22-year-old Kimberley Cookson admitted to gross negligence manslaughter for the death of toddler Noah Sibanda back in December 2022.

Authorities say the little boy died “following an incident” at the nursery. After a thorough police investigation, prosecutors determined Cookson’s actions were criminally negligent. But the legal fallout doesn’t end there: the nursery’s owner, 54-year-old Deborah Latewood, is also facing charges for failing to comply with health and safety laws, though she’s pleaded not guilty.

Fairytales Nursery Limited—the company itself—has been charged with corporate manslaughter, accused of failing to make sure children were put to sleep safely, that staff were properly trained and supervised, and that safety standards were followed. The nursery, now shut down, lost its license after inspectors determined children might be at risk of harm.

Cookson’s sentencing has been delayed until after the owner and the company stand trial, possibly in 2026. Both Cookson and Latewood are out on bail until the next hearing in December.

This case raises serious questions about daycare safety and staff training—reminding parents everywhere to stay vigilant about who cares for their children.