Second Nursery Worker Jailed After Safeguarding Failures

Rebecca Gregory, 25, a nursery worker at Tiny Toes in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, has been sentenced to three years in prison for the ill-treatment of infants under her care. Gregory, of Pearl Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to four counts of wilfully ill-treating children at Manchester Crown Court. This follows the earlier conviction of another Tiny Toes worker, Kate Roughley, who was jailed for manslaughter after the tragic death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan. These cases expose significant safeguarding failures at the nursery, which closed in 2022.

Evidence of Safeguarding Breaches

Gregory’s actions came to light during a broader investigation into Tiny Toes Nursery. CCTV footage from April 2022 revealed multiple instances of ill-treatment in the nursery’s baby room:

• Gregory verbally abused and threatened infants, including comments such as, “You want me to knock you out?”

• She swaddled crying babies tightly, pushed them over, and roughly placed them in cots or highchairs.

• One incident involved forcefully inserting a dummy into a child’s mouth while telling them to "shut up."

Although no physical injuries were reported, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) highlighted the potential long-term emotional and psychological harm to the children.

A Culture of Failing Safeguarding

Detective Constable Natalie Pettit described the investigation as “harrowing” and emphasised the lack of a safeguarding culture at Tiny Toes. Inappropriate behaviour was not challenged, creating an environment where children were at risk. Karen Tongue of the CPS stated, “Rebecca Gregory was entrusted with the care of the youngest children... the way she spoke to them was truly appalling.”

The nursery’s closure in 2022 followed revelations about systemic safeguarding failures and Roughley’s conviction. Roughley was sentenced to 14 years in prison for causing Genevieve Meehan’s death. Genevieve was swaddled tightly, strapped face-down on a beanbag, and left unsupervised, leading to her suffocation.

Lessons for Safeguarding in Child Care

The cases at Tiny Toes highlight the vital importance of safeguarding in child care settings:

• Vigilant Monitoring: Proper oversight can prevent abusive practices from going unnoticed.

• Accountability: Staff must be held to the highest standards, with a commitment to challenging unacceptable behaviour.

• Training and Culture: Nurseries must foster an environment where safeguarding is prioritised, and staff feel equipped to protect children from harm.

Although Tiny Toes has closed, the building now operates under new ownership and management as a nursery. The distressing events associated with its past serve as a reminder of the responsibility borne by those working in child care to uphold robust safeguarding measures.

The convictions of Rebecca Gregory and Kate Roughley underscore the devastating consequences of neglecting safeguarding in child care. These cases reveal not only individual failings but also systemic shortcomings in environments that should prioritise the safety and well-being of children. Moving forward, safeguarding must remain at the heart of all child care practices to ensure children are protected and supported in safe, nurturing settings.