Parents Seek Answers After Baby’s Death At Nursery, Want Full Inquest

Genevieve Meehan died at a nursery. She was only nine months old. Kate Roughley worked at the nursery. She strapped Genevieve face down on a bean bag and left her like that for ninety minutes. This happened in May 2022.

Roughley was found guilty of manslaughter, and a court sentenced her to fourteen years. Genevieve’s parents want answers and a full inquest. The parents lost their baby Genevieve.

The family’s lawyer said they need to move forward and mentioned inquest delays due to the criminal prosecution. Stockport Council supports the inquest.

The parents seek more details and wonder about following guidelines, questioning bean bag use. They ask what the nursery did and if it could have done more.

Roughley was a deputy manager and led the baby room at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, near Stockport.

The court learned that Roughley acted hostile towards Genevieve. She told the baby to stop crying, called her a “stress head”, and sang a cruel song.

On May 9, 2022, Genevieve’s parents dropped her off, with her mom saying “I love you, sweetie.” Soon after, Roughley wrapped Genevieve and put her face down in a cot using a blanket.

Roughley then covered the cot, blocking Genevieve’s view. Later, Roughley swaddled Genevieve tightly, placed her face down on a bean bag, and secured her with a harness.

Genevieve, unable to move, was face down for over one hour. Roughley ignored Genevieve’s cries and later found her blue and unconscious before raising the alarm.

Staff and paramedics tried to revive Genevieve, but her condition worsened, and she died. Her death was caused by asphyxia, to which stress also contributed.

After a four-week trial, jurors unanimously found Roughley guilty of manslaughter. She denied the charges against her, specifically including child cruelty.

Stockport Council investigates the nursery, looking at health and safety which may lead to more charges, but not for homicide, as that case already concluded.

The investigation spans a longer time and includes two rooms at the nursery. It will explore if people followed procedures and if staff performed duties well.

Tiny Toes Nursery opposes resuming the inquest, believing a delay is best while awaiting the local authority’s investigation. The council remains neutral, stating an inquest can proceed during health and safety inquiries.

The council will finalize findings this autumn, and any prosecution could take years. A decision on resuming or delaying the inquest will be made by March 14.

If resumed, another review occurs, with Ofsted and the ex-manager present. The review addressed Genevieve Meehan’s tragic death.