Family of Maya Chappell meet with Bridget Phillipson

In September last year, the family of little Maya launched the Maya's Law campaign, calling for the creation of a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS) to allow families to access information about caregivers or partners with violent or abusive pasts.

Spearheaded by Maya's great aunt, Gemma Chappell, a police officer from Consett, and her sister, Rachael Walls, the campaign has seen a petition launched, which has more than 75,000 signatures.

The family has also secured a Westminster Hall debate, national coverage and backing from MPs, councillors and influential figures.

Gemma Chappell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Maya's Law petition can be found here, and the fundraising page can be found here.

Defenceless Maya, two, died at Newcastle RVI in September 2022, days after her mum's new partner, Michael Daymond, violently shook her at their home in Shotton Colliery.

He was later jailed for life, while Maya’s mother, Dana Carr, was sentenced to nine years in prison for allowing the death of the tot.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

On Monday (January 26), Maya's family met with education secretary Bridget Phillipson in what Gemma has described as a 'significant moment' in the campaign.

"It was a constructive meeting where we felt listened to and heard by Bridget," said Gemma.

"She showed us empathy and compassion and was sympathetic to everything we've been through and battled for.

"Bridget is keen to work with us on a way forward and how to incorporate what we want into what the government is already working on."

Maya Chappell (Image: FAMILY)

Under the new Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS) proposed by Maya's family, agencies such as police, councils, health services and social care would have a legal duty to share information when concerns arise, ensuring families are not left in the dark about potential dangers.

It would also take inspiration from Clare's Law and Sarah's Law.

While the government's target is seemingly to move forward with the multi-million-pound Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Gemma says that she wants to work with the government to make some amendments and "protect children from falling through the cracks".

Maya when she was a baby (Image: FAMILY)

Gemma added: "Representatives from the Home Office were also there at the meeting, and I think it's important to work with agencies at criminal and education levels so these safeguarding laws can impact both.

"We want our say on these vital issues, and that's why we have the campaign. We didn't come to stay silent; we want that meaningful change.

Rachael Walls and Gemma Chappell, Maya's great aunts (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

"I think what we can help with is sharing those lived experiences that some of the experts don't fully realise or haven't accounted for."

Following Monday's meeting, Bridget Phillipson praised the strength of the family and their courage in battling for UK safeguarding laws.

Gemma Chappell, Great Aunt of Maya Chappell (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Maya’s tragic death is a devastating reminder of why we must never relent in our efforts to protect children and keep the most vulnerable safe," said Ms Phillipson.

“I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet with Maya’s family and to hear directly from them about their experiences, and I have offered to meet them again for further discussion.

"Their courage and commitment in the face of unimaginable loss are truly admirable, and I want to pay tribute to the constructive and thoughtful way they have engaged with us.

“We are determined to break the cycle of crisis too many children face, and our landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill represents the most significant reform to child protection in a generation.

Maya and her great aunt, Gemma Chappell (Image: FAMILY)

"It will deliver many of the changes Maya’s family have called for, including stronger multi-agency child protection teams and better information-sharing between police, education, health and social workers, so that no child falls through the cracks again.”

Following the positive meeting, Maya's family say that they now want to meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, which they called 'the next logical step' in the campaign.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Alastair Grant)

In November last year, the PM praised the 'incredible strength' of the family and pledged to follow the campaign closely and make sure 'meetings happen' when pressed on the issue by The Northern Echo.

Maya’s Law proposes four key changes:

• A Child Risk Disclosure Scheme (CRDS): letting families request risk history information about caregivers.
• Mandatory information sharing between police, health, and social care agencies.
• Stronger multi-agency protocols, especially in custody and unsupervised access cases.
• New safeguarding powers for professionals to raise alerts or trigger court action, even without an active investigation.