A post mortem examination has determined that a jelly cube caused a 22-month-old girl to choke and fall unconscious while in the care of Dicky Birds Nursery in Wimbledon.
The 22-month-old girl is thought to have been playing with jelly during a messy play session at the nursery on Dundonald Road in Wimbledon when she choked on a jelly cube and fell unconscious. She was later taken to hospital where she died.
Following the incident, which took place on 23 August, Dicky Birds Nursery had its registration suspended while Ofsted carried out an investigation of the setting. The nursery re-opened on Monday, two weeks later.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said, ‘A second post mortem examination was held at St George’s Hospital mortuary on Monday 10 September. The cause of death given was asphyxiation as a result of a foreign body - namely a raw jelly cube.
‘An inquest into the child’s death has now been adjourned pending the outcome of further police enquiries.’
Ofsted declined to comment any further on the case.
Rated good by Ofsted last year, the nursery is one of six settings in the Dicky Birds group, owned by Rachel Berry, with other nurseries in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden and Surbiton, all in South-West London.
Ms Berry said, ‘We are all devastated about the tragic incident that took place at our Dundonald Road Nursery on 23 August and our thoughts are with Tiya’s parents and family during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Following the incident the nursery’s registration was suspended while Ofsted and Health and Safety inspectors undertook an investigation into the incident and our operational procedures. This was concluded and the nursery’s suspension was lifted and it re-opened on 10 September.
‘A post mortem examination has subsequently been completed and we understand that the police are now continuing their investigation. We will continue to work with and support the Police and other agencies in any way we can.
‘While this investigation is ongoing we are unable to make any further comment.’
Following the incident, which took place on 23 August, Dicky Birds Nursery had its registration suspended while Ofsted carried out an investigation of the setting. The nursery re-opened on Monday, two weeks later.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said, ‘A second post mortem examination was held at St George’s Hospital mortuary on Monday 10 September. The cause of death given was asphyxiation as a result of a foreign body - namely a raw jelly cube.
‘An inquest into the child’s death has now been adjourned pending the outcome of further police enquiries.’
Ofsted declined to comment any further on the case.
Rated good by Ofsted last year, the nursery is one of six settings in the Dicky Birds group, owned by Rachel Berry, with other nurseries in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden and Surbiton, all in South-West London.
Ms Berry said, ‘We are all devastated about the tragic incident that took place at our Dundonald Road Nursery on 23 August and our thoughts are with Tiya’s parents and family during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Following the incident the nursery’s registration was suspended while Ofsted and Health and Safety inspectors undertook an investigation into the incident and our operational procedures. This was concluded and the nursery’s suspension was lifted and it re-opened on 10 September.
‘A post mortem examination has subsequently been completed and we understand that the police are now continuing their investigation. We will continue to work with and support the Police and other agencies in any way we can.
‘While this investigation is ongoing we are unable to make any further comment.’
