The UK government has committed over £8 million annually to Ofsted to enhance safeguarding in nurseries and early years settings, responding to the Campaign for Gigi launched by the parents of Genevieve 'Gigi' Meehan, who was killed at her nursery in 2022.
Funding Details and Unannounced Visits
The investment, announced on June 21, 2026, will allow up to 3,000 additional unannounced Ofsted visits each year, tripling the number compared to the year ending April 2025. The funding also supports more face-to-face interviews before childcare providers open, strengthening initial checks, and rapid upgrades to Ofsted's computer systems for improved risk assessment and real-time updates.
Background: The Campaign for Gigi
Genevieve 'Gigi' Meehan was killed at Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery in May 2022 after being strapped face down on a beanbag and left unsupervised for 90 minutes. Nursery worker Kate Roughley was jailed for 14 years in May 2024 for causing her unlawful death. An inquest date is yet to be fixed. Her parents, John Meehan and Katie Wheeler, launched the Campaign for Gigi calling for compulsory CCTV in nurseries, routine unannounced Ofsted inspections, review of CCTV footage during inspections, clear statutory safe sleep guidance, mandatory safe sleep training for staff and inspectors, and statutory guidance on sleep products.
Government Response and Education Secretary's Statement
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Nothing matters more than keeping children safe. Parents should be able to trust that when they leave their child at a nursery, they are in safe hands. This investment means more surprise Ofsted visits, stronger checks, and faster action where there are concerns – so risks are spotted early and dealt with quickly. Early education gives children the best start in life, and we are making sure it is backed by the high standards of care and protection families expect.”
Additional Measures
Earlier in June 2026, safer sleep requirements were set to be written into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework from September 2026. Ofsted has pledged that safer sleeping arrangements will be assessed at every inspection of early years settings in England, with inspectors receiving further training. The £8 million package also includes increased inspectors for larger or more complex settings, a strengthened registration process focusing on applicant suitability, and accelerated digital system changes for better intelligence sharing and risk identification.
The Manchester Evening News is supporting the Campaign for Gigi, encouraging readers to contact their local MPs to support the campaign's goals.
