Six women arrested after toddler dies at Dudley nursery

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Six women have been arrested following the “suspicious” death of a one-year-old boy at a Dudley nursery.

A toddler died at Fairytales Day Nursery on Bourne Street on December 9 last year after being found in a “critical condition”.

A criminal investigation has been launched by West Midlands Police with three women aged 20, 23 and 50 being arrested on December 16 on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and subsequently released on bail with strict conditions while enquiries continue.

A further three women were arrested on Wednesday 4, aged 37, 51 and 53 – two were arrested on suspicion of corporate manslaughter and one on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

West Midlands Police said: “We are treating the death of a one-year-old boy on 9 December at a Dudley nursery as suspicious and an investigation is under way.

“The family of the baby boy is being supported by specially trained officers. A post mortem has taken place but further tests will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.”

The investigation was launched following a visit by Ofsted after the child’s death. The nursery was then closed on 14 December along with other linked premises as “children may be at risk of harm”.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a trauma doctor and an air ambulance were called to the nursery at 3.20pm.

It said: “On arrival crews found a child in a critical condition. Medics commenced advanced life support which continued en route to Russells Hall hospital (Dudley) by ambulance.”

Ofsted revealed it received concerns on December 14 that the nursery “not meeting some of the safeguarding and welfare requirements”.

A report from the 22nd December said it, “suspended the provider’s registration because we believe children may be at risk of harm”.

The nursery has also failed to inform Ofsted of a change in manager, which is an “offence”. It has been served with a welfare requirements notice with measures to take to avoid having its licence permanently suspended. The actions must be taken at the site by 13 January.

Steps include; ensuring half of staff who care for babes have received training specifically for the care of babies, present how the nursery will make sure sleeping babies are frequently checked, a review of the sleeping arrangements of babies must be carried out, and all staff must have the correct qualifications, training and skills with regards to sleeping children.

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