Story Highlight
- Two-year-old Sadie Salt choked on food at nursery
- She died in hospital two days after the incident
- Prosecution under health and safety laws has been authorised
- Sadie’s parents express gratitude for the investigation’s thoroughness
- They campaign against serving high-risk foods to young children
Full Story
A health and safety prosecution has been initiated following the tragic death of two-year-old Sadie Salt, who is believed to have choked on food while at Mini Learners nursery in Radlett, Hertfordshire. The incident occurred on November 12, 2020, during lunchtime when Sadie was among 25 children. She sadly succumbed to her injuries and passed away in hospital two days later.
Hertsmere Borough Council has completed a full investigation and has confirmed the decision to proceed with charges under health and safety laws. Sadie’s parents, Zoe and Adam Salt, expressed their gratitude for the council’s thorough inquiry, emphasising the ongoing grief they have experienced since losing their daughter. In a statement relayed through their solicitor, they said, “Nearly six years have passed since Sadie’s death, and throughout that time we have continued to suffer grief and heartbreak every day. Nothing can make up for the devastating loss of our daughter, and the impact of her death remains with us in every aspect of our lives.”
The parents have campaigned to prevent nurseries from serving higher-risk foods, such as sausages and grapes, to children under the age of five. They also highlighted the significance of the legal process, stating, “As formal charges have been brought, it is important that this legal process is allowed to run its course.” An inquest into Sadie’s death was opened and adjourned in 2022.
Jill Paterson from the legal firm Leigh Day remarked on the importance of this development, stating that it represents a significant milestone for Sadie’s family, who have demonstrated remarkable strength since her passing. She affirmed that the firm will continue to support them in their quest for answers regarding the events at Mini Learners nursery in November 2020.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
In light of the tragic incident involving the choking of two-year-old Sadie Salt at Mini Learners nursery, it is essential to reflect on preventative measures that could have been implemented. A more rigorous assessment of the food served to young children and adherence to safety protocols could have minimized this risk. Educational programs for staff on food safety and choking hazards should be mandatory, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.
The applicable UK legislation in this scenario includes the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These laws require employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities, particularly vulnerable groups such as children.
Concrete steps a nursery could take to prevent similar incidents include the implementation of strict guidelines for food preparation and serving based on the age and development of the children. Regularly scheduled training sessions for staff on responding to choking incidents, including the use of First Aid techniques, would also be beneficial in fostering a safer environment for young children.
