In September 2021, a tragic incident occurred at the Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford, Kent, resulting in the death of nine-month-old Oliver Steeper. This incident, which arose from choking on food, has since been scrutinised through an inquest that revealed several critical failings and prompted calls for improvements in childcare practices. 

Oliver Steeper's parents had informed the nursery staff that he should only be given pureed food and certain finger foods due to his limited ability to handle more solid food.

Despite this, Oliver was fed pasta Bolognese, which led to him choking.

This disregard for the dietary instructions provided by his parents was a significant factor in the events that followed​.

The response by the nursery staff was critical in determining the outcome of this tragic event.

The inquest noted that while some correct first aid measures were taken, such as administering back slaps and promptly calling for an ambulance, there were also significant lapses. For instance, the nursery manager's attempt to remove food from Oliver's mouth using her fingers was criticised despite no visible blockage.

Medical professionals later found a significant amount of food debris in Oliver's airway, with more than half of it constricted. This suggested that more appropriate first aid measures might have made a difference, although this could not be conclusively determined​​. 

The coroner ruled that Oliver's death was a result of "misadventure," a term used to describe deaths due to unintentional acts that were not grossly negligent or intentional. This ruling highlighted the unfortunate nature of the errors made during the incident. However, it also pointed to systemic issues within the nursery's protocols and training, particularly concerning young children's first aid and weaning practices.

In the wake of the inquest, there has been a push for improved training for early years staff, especially in areas related to emergency first aid and appropriate weaning techniques. Oliver's parents have welcomed these recommendations, hoping they will lead to safer childcare environments and prevent similar tragedies in the future​.

This incident underscores the critical importance of adherence to dietary guidelines provided by parents and the need for robust first-aid training for all childcare providers.

The lessons learned from Oliver Steeper's tragic death serve as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young children and the paramount importance of their safety in childcare settings.