A nursery worker from Dudley has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a 14-month-old boy.

Noah Sibanda, described by his parents as “a beautiful, happy and easy-going little boy”, died after an incident at Fairytales Day Nursery in Bourne Street in Dudley on 9 December 2022.

After a review of the evidence by West Midlands police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had authorised criminal charges in relation to Sibanda’s death.

Kimberley Cookson, 22, who was a nursery practitioner, has been charged with one count of gross negligence manslaughter, the CPS said.

Fairytales Nursery Limited has been charged with one count of corporate manslaughter and failing to comply with a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Deborah Latewood, 54, who was the director and business owner, has been charged with one count of failing to comply with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The police said four other people arrested as part of the investigation will face no further action.

Noah’s parents paid tribute to him and said: “Noah was a beautiful, happy and easy-going little boy and we miss him very much.”

The nursery is no longer in operation. It was closed by Ofsted, along with other linked premises, on 14 December 2022 after the watchdog said “children may be at risk of harm” and suspended its registration.

The defendants will appear at Dudley magistrates court on Tuesday 13 May.