Parents of boy who died after choking on nursery meal reach six-figure settlement
The parents of a toddler who died after choking to death at nursery have reached a six-figure financial settlement.
In September 2021, Oliver 'Oli' Steeper died at Evelina Children’s Hospital in London, six days after choking on chopped pasta served to him by a member of staff at the now-defunct Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford, Kent.
At the time of the incident, the child was eating pureed meals at home, and his parents, Lewis and Zoe Steeper, were informed that his food could be blended up before being served by an employee, the BBC reported.
According to the foundation set up to honour his memory, he had been without oxygen for 60 minutes.
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An expert in resuscitation later informed the inquest that first aid delivered at the time was ‘poor’ and that guidelines were not properly followed.
The inquest ruled that Lewis and Zoe’s nine-month-old son, who spent six days in a coma before succumbing to his injury, had died as a result of misadventure.
Following the success of their claim against Jelly Beans Day Nursery, which did not submit an admission of liability, the couple vowed to refocus their energies on ‘ensuring that no other family endures the same devastation that we have suffered’.
The promise came after four years of fighting ‘tirelessly to highlight systemic failings’.
"We can put that chapter of Oli's life behind us and remember him positively,” Zoe told the BBC.
Her husband added: “No amount of financial compensation can ever equate to the loss of our child but this resolution allows us to focus our energies on ensuring that no other family endures the same devastation that we have suffered whilst ensuring Oliver's brother Jake has the best of futures ahead.”
In February 2024, the grieving parents set up The Oliver Steeper Foundation.
Their first port of call was fundraising to provide free anti-choking LiveVac devices to all registered nurseries, preschools, and childminders.
By June, hundreds of the life-saving devices had been installed across the country.
As of November 2025, the charitable cause has provided over 1,500 anti-choking devices to qualifying establishments.
It also formally challenged the Government regarding proposed changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
In September, they welcomed alterations to key areas of the statutory framework, including new wording under staff-to-child ratios, paediatric first aid, and food and drink facilities.
The guidelines now state that childcare providers must discuss with parents about the stage of weaning their child is at and ensure children are always within sight and hearing of a member of staff while eating, among other measures.
The family foundation has raised over £140,000 at various events across Kent, according to an update posted via YouTube.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: News
Ella Scott