Health and safety prosecution authorised over death of toddler who choked at Radlett nursery
Sadie Salt died in hospital two days after choking during lunch at a nursery in Hertfordshire in 2020
Last updated 15th Sep 2026
A council has authorised a health and safety prosecution over the death of a two-year-old girl who is believed to have choked at a nursery in Hertfordshire.
Hertsmere Borough Council confirmed on 10th September 2026 that it had authorised a prosecution for alleged offences of breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The decision follows what the council described as a full and thorough investigation into the death of Sadie Salt.
Sadie is believed to have choked while having lunch at Mini Learners nursery in Radlett in November 2020.
She died two days later in the intensive care unit at St Mary's Hospital in Westminster.
What the council has said
The council said its thoughts remain with Sadie's family, who have been notified of the decision.
It added that, as legal proceedings are now under way, it will not be commenting further.
What her parents have said
Sadie's parents, Zoe and Adam Salt, said in a statement: "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.
"We are grateful to Hertsmere Borough Council for its thorough investigation of Sadie's case and to everyone who has worked to help bring matters to this point. As formal charges have been brought, it is important that this legal process is allowed to run its course. In due course we will be looking to the inquest into Sadie's death to give us answers we have been waiting so long to know."
The family is represented by Jill Paterson, a partner in the personal injury team at law firm Leigh Day, with solicitors Charlie Holt and Philippa Wheeler.
Family "shown remarkable strength"
Leigh Day partner Jill Paterson said: "Today's announcement is an important milestone for Sadie's family, who have shown remarkable strength and resilience since her death. We will continue to support them as they seek and await answers about what happened to their daughter at Mini Learners nursery in Hertfordshire in November 2020."
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