At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, the safety and wellbeing of children is at the centre of everything we do. As a values-led nursery, we believe that creating a nurturing, secure and professional environment is the foundation upon which children can truly flourish.
In 2018, we were incredibly proud to gain the prestigious Millie’s Mark accreditation, and we are delighted to announce that we have once again successfully undertaken the rigorous process required to retain this award.
Who Are Millie’s Trust?
Millie’s Trust was founded in 2012 after the tragic death of 9-month-old Millie Thompson, who sadly died after choking on food at nursery. Millie’s parents continue to work tirelessly in her memory to help prevent this happening to another child.
We recognise that choosing the right nursery for a child is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions a parent can make. That decision to trust others with your child is never taken lightly. While we know true trust is built over time as families become part of the SBNS family, retaining Millie’s Mark reflects our continued commitment to providing the highest standards of care, professionalism and safety for every child entrusted to us.
Who Qualifies for Mille’s Mark?
The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework requires only one 12-hour Paediatric First Aid trained practitioner to be present at all times. Within the prestigious Millie’s Mark accreditation, every practitioner is required to hold the qualification. However, the requirements go far beyond this.
Settings must also demonstrate:
• Robust risk assessments
• Embedded application of first aid knowledge within daily practice
• Extensive allergy and health requirement procedures
• Careful team deployment based on areas of confidence and experience
Our team members are also fully trained in the use of Automated External Defibrillators and Auto-Adrenaline Injectors, both of which are held on site in case of emergency.
“Millie’s Mark will be awarded as a special endorsement to childcare providers that go above and beyond these minimum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric first aid, and also ensuring that everything learned during the course is kept alive and in the forefront of practitioners’ minds so that they are confident, ready and capable.”
— Millie’s Trust
For us, this accreditation is not simply about meeting standards, it reflects our ongoing drive for quality, reflection and continuous improvement.
The award provides reassurance not only to parents and families, but also to our practitioners, empowering them with the confidence, knowledge and skills to act should the need ever arise.
At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we believe going above and beyond for children is exactly what they deserve. We will continue to reflect upon, strengthen and embed our practice, always keeping the best interests, safety and wellbeing of every child at the forefront of all that we do.
