Mom Describes Final Moments of Toddler Who Died at Day Care After Being Pinned with Worker’s Leg: ‘Scared and in Pain’

**Tragic Death of Toddler in Care: Mother Shares Heartbreaking Account**

The mother of a young child who tragically died at a nursery in Dudley has delivered a poignant victim impact statement, reflecting the profound sorrow and guilt she feels after her son’s passing. Masi Sibanda’s account follows the death of her 14-month-old son, Noah, who lost his life under disturbing circumstances while in the care of Fairytales Day Nursery on December 9, 2022.

Detailing the last moments of her son’s life, Masi recounted how Noah was found “alone, scared, and in pain”, stating that his final moments were marked by distress and confusion. Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, Noah was placed face down in a “sleeping pod”, a type of sleeping bag, and was severely restrained. A nursery worker is now facing sentencing for gross negligence manslaughter relating to the case.

Nursery worker Kimberley Cookson, 23, has pleaded guilty to the charge and will soon receive a sentence, while the nursery’s owner and the establishment itself are also facing consequences for acknowledging safety failings regarding the care provided to children. These proceedings are part of an ongoing hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

During the court proceedings, Masi disclosed a deep sense of regret and emotional turmoil since Noah’s death. “There has not been a single day I haven’t regretted being alive when he is not,” she expressed, highlighting the distressing emotions she grapples with. “My guilt comes from knowing I handed him over to people who killed him,” she lamented, underscoring the pain of placing trust in childcare providers.

Details presented in court revealed that on the day in question, Cookson had roughly handled Noah, wrapping him tightly in blankets and placing him face down in the sleeping pod. According to reports, a blanket was placed over his head to block out light, intended to help the children sleep. However, this act proved fatal; CCTV footage showed Noah visibly struggling under the weight of Cookson’s leg pressed down on his back for approximately seven minutes.

After believing that Noah had fallen asleep, Cookson left him unattended. It was revealed that no staff member checked on him for nearly two hours, a serious lapse in duty of care. When Cookson eventually returned and found him unresponsive, she attempted to move him to a changing room before emergency services were called. Despite efforts to revive him, Noah was pronounced dead shortly after reaching the hospital.

Masi has expressed her unending guilt over the trust she afforded the nursery. She articulated her feelings of betrayal, suggesting that the force used against her son was akin to that wielded in a prison setting. “He was treated as a felon, a danger, as if he was in jail,” she remarked, highlighting the inhumane conditions surrounding her child’s care.

The hearing continues to unfold, with further developments expected soon. Masi emphasised that no sentence for Cookson could adequately address the pain that she and her family now endure. “There is no sentence that Kimberley could receive that would amount to the pain and suffering we have been put through,” she remarked in the courtroom, revealing the deep emotional impact this tragedy has had on her life.

As the community grapples with the implications of this event, many are left questioning the adequacy of childcare standards and the systems in place to safeguard the young and vulnerable. The case has sparked broader conversations about childcare practices and the accountability of those responsible for the wellbeing of children.

The public awaits the outcome of the latest court proceedings, which are due to resume later this week. This tragic incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and care that children should expect in nursery settings, fostering a discourse on how to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.

For those affected by similar issues or who suspect child abuse, resources are available to seek guidance and support, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which operates confidentially and is accessible 24/7.