31-07-2025
CCTV in nurseries to be considered in landmark moment for Gigi's campaign
The government is in the early stages of looking at implementing CCTV into nurseries following a tireless campaign by the parents of a baby killed at her nursery.
Genevieve 'Gigi' Meehan was killed at Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery in May 2022 after she was strapped face down onto a beanbag and left unsupervised for 90 minutes by her nursery worker, Kate Roughley.
Roughley was jailed for 14 years in May last year for causing her unlawful death. An inquest into Genevieve's death has been set for June next year.
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Her parents, John Meehan and Katie Wheeler have since launched a campaign (Campaign for Gigi) to improve safety standards in nursery 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.
Following a meeting with Stephen Morgan MP last month, in which Genevieve's parents had travelled to London to put their case to him, he has since confirmed that the department is in the early stages of addressing some of the campaign's goals.
In a letter addressed to the family, he wrote: 'Thank you for your letter and for the meeting on 30 June. I am grateful that you have both taken the time to speak to me regarding your concerns and for your drive in continuing to campaign in Gigi's memory.
'As mentioned before, ensuring the safety of children is of utmost importance to both the department and me. This is why, as we continue to increase the number of places in early years provisions, we are always monitoring and reviewing the safeguarding requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework. We will continue to consider all of your suggestions as part of this process.
'Regarding CCTV in settings, we are working with Ofsted to look at the use of CCTV in early years settings. Departmental officials are in the very early stages of this work but as it develops, we would welcome your insights. Therefore, if you agree, officials will be in touch with you regarding this work.
'Next month officials will be meeting with Ms Jenny Ward [CEO of The Lullaby Trust] and NHS colleagues to discuss the safer sleep requirements in the body of the EYFS and to consider if changes need to be made.'
As part of the introduction of the government's 'Giving Every Child the Best Start In Life' policy, the Department of Education previously announced that Ofsted inspections will increase from once every six years to four years.
In the report, it reads: 'From next April, we will fund Ofsted to inspect all new early years providers within 18 months of opening and move towards inspecting all providers at least once every four years, compared to the current six-year cycle.
'This means standards will be reviewed more regularly and parents will have more up-to-date information to help them choose the right setting for their child.' You can read the full policy report here.
The Manchester Evening News is supporting the Campaign for Gigi, which is seeking improved safety measures in nursery settings including compulsory CCTV, unannounced Ofsted inspections as routine and mandatory safe sleep training.
To get involved in the campaign: Click the link here or below to search for your local MP; find their contact details; share Gigi's Campaign with your local MP and ask them to support it.
