Source: Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) published on this website Tuesday 21 April 2026 by Jill Powell

A nursery practitioner has been jailed for the gross negligence manslaughter of a 14-month-old toddler who died after being suffocated while staff tried to make him fall asleep.

Toddler Noah Sibanda died at Fairytales Day Nursery on 9 December 2022 having been physically restrained face down on a cushion, with a blanket over his face and a leg placed over him.

Nursery practitioner Kimberley Cookson, 23, was today jailed for three years and four months at Wolverhampton Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to gross negligence manslaughter. This related to her conduct in making Noah sleep. 

Fairytales Day Nursery Limited was fined £240,000 after it previously admitted one count of corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence. It was also ordered to pay £56,000 in costs. 

Director and business owner Debbie Latewood, 55, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. She previously admitted a Health and Safety at Work Act offence on the basis that she did not know children were being put down to sleep in this dangerous way, though should have known. She was also disqualified from being a director for seven years. 

The incident was captured on CCTV at the nursey, and showed Noah was tightly wrapped in a sleeping bag, had a blanket placed over his head, and was laid face down to sleep by Cookson.

She held him in place face down on a soft cushion and restrained him with her leg for some of that time, in what appeared to be an effort to make him sleep when he did not want to. After a considerable duration, it was noticed that he was not breathing, and the emergency services were called. Noah was pronounced dead at hospital.

Alex Johnson, Senior Specialist Prosecutor within the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said: 

“This case has been deeply distressing and represents every parent’s worst nightmare whenever they leave their young child at a nursery. Noah Sibanda should have been safe in the care of professionals entrusted with his wellbeing. He lost his life as a result of reckless and dangerous sleeping practices which posed an obvious and serious risk of harm.

“The evidence in this case, including CCTV footage and expert medical findings, showed that Noah was placed to sleep in a way that severely restricted his ability to breathe and move. The prosecution case was that these practices created a suffocating environment, from which a 14-month-old child, was clearly unable to escape.

“Fairytales Day Nursery Limited has now accepted criminal responsibility for the systemic failures that led to this tragedy, and Deborah Latewood has also acknowledged that the failings occurred under her management and oversight. Kimberley Cookson has also taken responsibility for her harmful actions.

“Nursery providers have a fundamental duty to protect the children in their care. This case underscores the devastating consequences of what happens when that duty is breached. Our thoughts remain with Noah’s family, who have endured an unimaginable loss.” 
 

Source: Department for Education published on this website Friday 17 2026 by Jill Powel

Families will receive new support from today to help children prepare for school, as the government rolls out a package of measures from primary school offer day through to the first day in September.

The move comes as over a third (37%) of children are starting school without the basic skills they need for the classroom, with teachers and charities finding many children arriving in Reception unable to use the toilet independently, communicate clearly or follow simple instructions.

As part of the government’s mission to get a record number of children school ready, the guidance published today – on primary school offer day – will provide parents with a clear idea of what good support looks like from schools and early years settings to help their child transition into Reception.

For the first time, new guidance sets out how schools, nurseries, and childminders should work together as one system around families to get children ready for Reception – making clear that Offer Day is the starting gun for children beginning their school education.

It sets three key building blocks for a smooth start: strong relationships with families, close partnership working between schools, nurseries and childminders, and early identification of children’s needs, including SEND.  It includes practical examples to follow, like home visits and stay and play sessions, giving families the opportunity to visit their new school, or for teachers to visit children in their early years setting.

The package is backed by continued investment in the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) programme until 2029, and comes as a new national campaign, fronted by award-winning teacher and rapper MC Grammar, gives parents simple ways to practise key skills at home.

Minister for Early Education Olivia Bailey MP said:

Starting school is a huge milestone – for children and parents. I remember getting my own children ready for their first day, excited and hoping they’d walk through the door feeling confident.

From the moment families receive their school place, they should feel supported with simple, practical ways to help their child build confidence, independence and the skills they need for the classroom.

By bringing schools, nurseries, childminders, and families closer together, we can make sure every child gets off to a strong start – arriving at school feeling settled and ready to learn.

The NELI programme helps children who need extra support with speech and language to catch up during Reception. It has already been shown to deliver strong results, with an evaluation finding that it boosts language skills by an additional four months for children on the programme compared to those that aren’t, or up to seven months for children from more deprived backgrounds.

The new campaign shows that school readiness is about everyday skills like communication, independence and confidence – not just uniforms or academic ability. It features a new ‘Steps for School’ song by MC Grammar highlighting key skills from getting dressed and using the toilet to listening, speaking and following instructions.

With family life getting more challenging for many, this work forms part of a wider push to make life easier for parents and give children the best start.

This government is bringing together support from pregnancy through to starting school, including through the rollout of Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority, offering parenting advice, health services and help with children’s development, alongside the first ever guidance to help families manage screen time at home.

Source: Department for Education published on this website Monday 20 April 2026 by Jill Powell

Vulnerable young people leaving the care system will be better supported following a review launched by the government today into the deaths of care leavers.

This is in response to the horrifying fact that a disproportionate number of young people who have been in care die young, often in complex circumstances and without support from social workers and others. The government is determined to change this as part of wider efforts to improve the lives of young people, breaking down barriers to opportunity and enabling them to succeed.

Data published in May 2025 showed 91 notifications of care leaver deaths in 2024–25, with the majority aged between 16 and 21. This number is unacceptably high and a serious problem which impacts wider society.

The review into some of these cases will be led by experienced social worker Clare Chamberlain and care-experienced author and broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise about the huge challenges which young people face both in and out of the care system. 

The review will focus on young people’s experiences, who and what mattered to them, and identify what more could have been done to support them.

It forms part of wider action to strengthen support for care leavers, including through the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to enable them to thrive in adult life..

The Bill will introduce new duties on local authorities to provide “Staying Close” support up to age 25, helping care leavers find places to live, get jobs and access vital services including for health, education, training and relationships advice. 

The Bill will also introduce new corporate parenting responsibilities for public sector bodies to ensure they take support care leavers and take their needs into account when designing policies and delivering services.

Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said:

“Far too many young people who have been in care face massive challenges in adult life. The fact that many have died far too early is truly shocking and must change.

“This review will help us understand what is going wrong and, crucially, what more we can do to protect and support young people as they leave care. We owe it to every child in our care system to ensure they have the network of loving relationships they need to thrive.

“The independent experts will begin their work immediately, with findings and recommendations to be shared later this year. Lessons will be embedded into the government’s forthcoming Enduring Relationships Programme, which will put the need to support enduring relationships for children in care at the heart of government policy.”

Ashley John-Baptiste said:

“As someone who grew up in care, it troubles me deeply that so many care experienced people have died so early. I can’t overstate how important this work is. I hope our efforts will provide the critical insights and learning needed - so that we can do better for our precious care experienced young people.”

Clare Chamberlain said:

“In undertaking this work we hope to hear not just from professionals, but from family and friends who were close to the young person, so that we can get a good understanding of what mattered most in their lives and what could have been different.”

The Department for Education has already taken steps to improve understanding of care leaver mortality. Since December 2023, local authorities have been expected to report the deaths of care leavers through the Serious Incident Notification system.

The next annual data release is expected in Spring 2026, with further work underway to improve the quality and consistency of reporting.

Alongside these reviews, the government is strengthening mental health support for children in care. A three-year pilot announced in December 2025 will bring together social workers and NHS professionals to provide earlier, more joined-up mental health support to children and families.

Source: Home Office published on this website Thursday 16 April 2026 by Jill Powell

Major venues and events will be better equipped to protect the public from terrorism, as new guidance to support the implementation of Martyn’s Law is published  yesterday.

The guidance sets out clear steps for businesses. This includes for smaller premises like shops and restaurants with 200-799 people, to ensure evacuation routes are in place, staff know how to swiftly implement a lockdown in their building, and staff know how to quickly communicate with their customers were an attack to occur.

Larger premises and events like concerts and sports stadiums, where 800 or more people will be present, will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies, or vehicle checks where appropriate.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 also known as Martyn’s Law, is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the horrific Manchester arena attack.

The act will come into effect after an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent, giving organisations time to understand their new obligations and prepare.

The major milestone comes as the threat from terrorism endures and evolves, with a rise in attacks from individuals who are not formally part of an existing terrorist group making it harder for the police to detect and investigate. Since the start of 2020, MI5 and the police have disrupted 19 late-stage attack plots and intervened in many hundreds of developing threats.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

“Martyn’s Law will help to save lives by making sure venues are ready to act if the worst happens. Today’s guidance is a significant step toward turning the law into action, giving organisations clear, straightforward advice to protect the public.I pay tribute to Figen Murray, whose dedication was instrumental in bringing this landmark law into existence.”

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said:

“This represents another significant milestone for the Martyn’s Law campaign and will provide the clarity for venues and events within scope to begin to implement proportionate measures set out within Martyn’s Law.

“We must now ensure everyone is aware of what is required and to make public spaces more secure from the impact of a terrorist attack, so no family has to endure the lasting pain that mine and 21 others have gone through.”

By providing practical advice and clear instructions to meet the requirements set out in the act, it empowers organisations to take proportionate steps to protect lives and improve emergency preparedness - helping to keep both staff and visitors safe across the UK.

It is designed to explain the act’s requirements in a way that works for all and reflects the government’s clear intent that those responsible for premises and events in scope can comply without needing to buy specialist or consultancy services.

A case study for a 400-seater restaurant may look like the following example.

Evacuation: such as one route through the main entrance that leads onto a public pavement and another through a side door that leads into a different area.

Invacuation: for example, bring individuals into the main restaurant area and, if needed, into a variety of staff areas.

Lockdown: this could require nominated individuals knowing when (i.e. when their shift manager instructs them to) and how to quickly lock doors, close window shutters and turn off lights.

Communication: this might be met by ensuring staff know who will enact procedures (shift manager) and planning how to communicate with customers present at the restaurant, were an attack to occur.

Training and awareness: such as providing new members of staff with a short awareness briefing on the restaurant’s procedures at induction, alongside health and fire safety inputs.

Review: the procedures should be kept under appropriate review, for example reviewed annually or when there is any significant change in the restaurants set up .

As the regulator, the Security Industry Authority will support, advise and guide those responsible for premises and events in meeting the requirements of this legislation.

The law delivers on the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who was the driving force in campaigning for this legislation in her son’s memory.

Bob Eastwood, Head of Security and Safety Operations at the English Football League (EFL), said:

“We support this new guidance, which will play an important role in preparing EFL Clubs and other organisations for compliance with the requirements of Martyn’s Law. We believe the guidance to be proportionate and deliverable for our clubs, as part of their ongoing and vital work to prepare staff and keep attendees at their matches safe.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association & Chair of the UK Door Security Association said:

“The release of the guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, marks an important step forward in strengthening the safety and resilience of public spaces across the UK. It provides a clear and proportionate framework to help venues better prepare for and respond to the evolving threat of terrorism.

“The Night Time Industries Association, alongside key stakeholders, has worked closely with the Home Office and government partners to help shape guidance that is both practical and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring the voice of the sector has been reflected throughout has been critical to making the framework workable on the ground.

“We welcome this collaborative approach and the commitment shown across industry and government to get this right. We will continue to support our members in understanding and implementing the requirements, helping to build a safer, more prepared night-time economy while protecting the vibrancy that defines it.”