A couple who lost their nine-month-old baby son after he choked at a nursery say they hope that new Government measures will “improve the safety of childcare settings for everyone”. Oliver Steeper died in hospital in six days after he choked on chopped penne pasta at Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford, Kent.
His parents, Lewis and Zoe Steeper, have spent the three years since the September 2021 tragedy fighting to improve safety standards in childcare providers for both emergency first aid provision and the introduction of solid foods to weaning babies. And following an inquest into the tot’s death held in May this year coroner Katrina Hepburn highlighted that current regulations requiring only one first-aider per nursery “pose a risk to future life”.
She contacted the Department for Education with recommendations to prevent further tragedies. Ministers have now confirmed that early years safeguarding reforms are set to be implemented in September 2025.
These reforms include ensuring that a staff member with a valid paediatric first-aid certificate is present in the room while children eat, and facilitating discussions with parents about the transition to solid foods for their children. The decision follows a consultation that indicated “strong support” for proposals aimed at promoting safer eating practices in childcare settings.
Mr Steeper commented: “After Oliver tragically passed away in September 2021 from choking on penne pasta at the age of nine months, we are embracing these changes. The investigations conducted after Oliver’s death revealed certain issues that needed to be addressed. This update from the Department for Education will rectify those issues and improve the safety of childcare settings for everyone.”
Jill Paterson, the family’s solicitor from law firm Leigh Day, added: “Oli’s parents have campaigned since his death to do what they can to ensure that no other families have to go through the tragedy that they have.” These new measures are a very welcome development towards safer childcare provision and a tribute to the tireless work of Oli’s brave parents.”