Millie’s Mark is a certification awarded to nurseries who ensure all of their staff are fully trained in Paediatric First Aid. This means that all staff are able to confidently deliver emergency first aid to a child, potentially saving a little one’s life.

Millie’s Mark is delivered by Millie’s Trust in partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). Millie’s Trust was set up by Joanne and Dan Thompson in 2012 after their nine-month-old daughter Millie died after choking on food at her nursery. The trust campaigns vigorously to increase first aid requirements for childcare providers nationwide.

Why Millie’s Mark?

As it stands right now, The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requires just one person on each nursery premises to be trained in first aid. Having only one person able to provide first aid to potentially several dozen children can leave children vulnerable in the case of a sudden injury or medical emergency.

Unsatisfied with the requirements as they stand, Millie’s Trust insists that every single member of staff at nurseries carrying the Millie’s Mark must be trained to confidently deliver Pediatric First Aid.

At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we place the safety of our children above everything else and committed ourselves to meet the rigorous standards set by Millie’s Trust. In recognition of this, we have now been awarded Millie’s Mark, attesting to our dedication to the highest possible standards of childcare.

“Children are the most important people in the world and because of this, we strive to achieve the highest standards possible in all that we do. We always try to be at the forefront of best practice in childcare and education and so we felt it was vital to have ALL of our staff properly trained in first aid. We began the process in January 2018 and had 6 months to fully audit and review our first aid policies and procedures. We continually evaluate our first aid procedures as well as staff confidence, and this is always on the agenda at our meetings in order to keep our knowledge and training fresh and up to date. ”

Mrs A.Young & Mrs. L. Bowery, Directors of Shotley Bridge Nursery School

Becoming Millie’s Mark Certified

Shotley Bridge Nursery School initially committed to the Millie’s Mark program in January 2018, and spent six months rigorously auditing their first aid practices and implementing comprehensive training programs. After a thorough review by the Millie’s Mark panel, they were informed that they had successfully met the high standards of the program in November 2018, and will receive their accreditation at a formal ceremony later in 2019.

What this means for Shotley Bridge Nursery School

Child safety is paramount at Shotley Bridge Nursery School. The Millie’s Mark certification means parents can be confident that their children are in a safe environment cared for by a thoroughly trained workforce who meet the highest possible standards in Pediatric First Aid.