The parents of a baby girl killed at her nursery are calling for mandatory safe sleep training and compulsory CCTV in all nurseries in a new campaign.Nursery worker Kate Roughley was jailed for 14 years in May last year after being found guilty of the manslaughter of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan. The 37-year-old swaddled Genevieve, strapped her face down on a bean bag and left her for an hour-and-a-half.Roughley was caring for Genevieve in her role as deputy manager and 'baby room leader' at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022. Manchester Crown Court heard that she had shown 'hostility' towards the infant in the days before her death.

Now, a year on from the trial, parents Katie Wheeler and John Meehan have launched a campaign to improve safety standards in early years settings.In it, they are calling for compulsory CCTV in nursery settings; unannounced Ofsted inspections to be routine in early years settings; review of CCTV footage in Ofsted inspections; clear, statutory safe sleep guidance for early years settings; mandatory safe sleep training for all nursery staff and Ofsted inspectors; and clear statutory guidance as to the use of sleep products in early years settings.The campaign, which can be found here, is urging for those to get in touch with their local MP to ask them for support.

Writing on behalf of the family, Katie Wheeler said: “On 9 May 2022, our daughter Genevieve Zofia Meehan (Gigi as we call her) was killed at Tiny Toes Nursery in Stockport.“Gigi brought love, joy and laughter into our lives and we loved her instantly. She was mischievous, loving and full of wonder at the world around her. Our lives were so enriched by her laugh, her beautiful face and her sense of fun.“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 live a long and fulfilling life 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.”

Paying tribute to Gigi, they 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.”