A woman has been jailed for three years after committing 'deplorable' offences of neglect against four young children. 

Rebecca Gregory, 25, of Pearl Street, was arrested last year after evidence came to light during an ongoing investigation into a nursery worker and colleague at Tiny Toes Nursery, Cheadle Hulme. 

In an appearance at Minshull Street Crown Court today (Monday 2 September), she pleaded guilty to four counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

A Greater Manchester Police [GMP] spokesperson said: "[Ms Gregory] was witnessed on CCTV verbally abusing and mishandling the children, pushing a child's head down, roughly placing a child on the floor, and threatening to kick a child in the head.

"On one occasion, she swaddled a child so tightly that he couldn't move. Seeing the child was visibly distressed, she forced his head down, preventing him from moving."

Ms Gregory admitted her actions when presented with evidence during a police interview. She claimed that the nursery was understaffed. 

The GMP spokesperson added: "From the CCTV footage on Tuesday 26 April 2022, it was evident that Rebecca Gregory's interactions with the children were callous and lacked proper care and compassion. 

"She failed to adhere to the correct, safe, and expected requirements and responsibility that comes with caring for young children."

Tiny Toes Nursery, Cheadle Hulme (Image - SWNS)

Detective Constable Natalie Pettit from GMP's Stockport district also said: "Anyone who hears the details of this investigation cannot fail to be sickened by the careless actions of Rebecca Gregory. 

"She knew her actions fell far beyond the correct professional standards but failed to take any reasonable steps to protect these children.

"This was a harrowing investigation which uncovered several unacceptable behaviours and practices at Tiny Toes Nursery. 

"It was clear to see that there was a culture of not challenging inappropriate behaviour which ultimately placed several children who were under their care at risk of serious harm.

"We worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build a strong case, and following a comprehensive investigation, we are pleased that Gregory will now have to face the consequences of her actions."

Karen Tongue, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West, added: "Rebecca Gregory was entrusted with the care of the youngest children in the nursery where she had worked for seven years.

"The CCTV footage from the nursery's baby room showed several instances of Gregory ill-treating four young children in her care.

"The way she spoke to them was truly appalling and I have been shocked and saddened by the wilful ill-treatment of the children.

"Parents should be able to place their children in nursery knowing they will be nurtured and cared for. Cases such as this damage the trust between parents and carers.

"Gregory must now face the consequences of her actions."

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