The company pleaded guilty at Cambridge Crown Court to breaching health and safety legislation at its Cambourne nursery.

Environmental health officers at South Cambridgeshire District Council brought the prosecution after The child died in April 2006. A council spokeswoman said the fine “properly reflects the seriousness of the offences”.

Environmental health officials claimed the company did not have a proper risk system process in place.

the defendant, which does not run the nursery anymore, said it had “put its house in order”.

A company spokesman added prosecutors had not alleged the vicitms death was as a result of any “deficiency” in procedures.

He added: “The company is very sorry for the distress caused to the family. This has deeply affected all of us.”