Nursery Where Child Died ‘Ignored Safety Risks’

A toddler choked to death on a drawstring after a nursery ignored “well-recognised risks” by hanging a cloth bag from her cot, an inquest was told.

Staff at Tiddlywinks nursery, in Gloucester, were unable to resuscitate 16-month-old Molly Cunliffe, who had tangled herself on rope tied to the travel cot’s bars. She died two weeks later at Bristol Children’s Hospital after her parents decided her ventilator should be switched off.

A nursery nurse, who was working at the time, told an inquest at Gloucester Shire Hall that it had been “stupid” to leave the bag hanging from her cot.

The jury was also told how an official had raised concerns about the nursery prior to Molly’s death. Linda Witts, a child safety inspector, who visited the nursery four months before the incident in October 2005, said: “Tiddlywinks have comprehensive procedures but they were not being implemented. “My inspection revealed there had been cosmetic improvements, however, some areas of procedure gave me concern. I did not see bags hanging on cots. If I had seen them I would have made them take them off. I am aware of cases where children have hung themselves – I consider this to be a well-recognised risk.”

A jury was told that child safety bodies and the cot’s manufacturer give clear instructions warning of the hazards of hanging anything from or near to the equipment.

At the time of the accident, the nursery said Molly was in a fully-monitored cot room so staff were able to respond immediately. Clare Neal, a nursery worker, said that sleeping children were checked every ten minutes. She said a bag had been tied to Molly’s bed for as long as she could remember.

During evidence, Molly’s mother, Keata Glenton, 28, was overwhelmed by emotion, leaving the courtroom several times.Evidence suggested that Molly had been unchecked for a “substantial” amount of time, Alan Crickmore, the coroner, said.

It was also questioned whether the two women looking after the toddlers were qualified to Ofsted requirements.

The nursery’s manager, Selena Matthews, said it was possible she had been left unsupervised longer than the normal ten-minute limit.

The inquest, due to last three days, was adjourned until today.