Nursery World - 'Not unusual' for staff to use mobile phones when supervising children, jury in Eton Manor trial hear

A nursery manager and nursery assistant are on trial for health and safety failings at an Essex nursery that led to the death of two-year-old Rhiya Malin at Eton Manor Children's Day Nursery in Chigwell, Essex.

Nursery manager Karen Jacobs and nursery assistant Kayley Murphy are charged with a number of safety allegations.

They both deny the charges, which have been brought by Epping Forest District Council.

Rhiya, pictured, was found trapped between the wall and the roof of the wooden play house at the nursery on 7 November 2007.

The jury at Chelmsford Crown Court were told yesterday that nursery assistant Kayley Murphy, who was among staff supervising children in the outdoor area, had been talking on her mobile phone immediately prior to the incident.

The court heard that it was not unusual for staff to use their mobile phones while looking after children at the nursery, even though they were not allowed to use them.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included