Millie's Mark boosts nursery businesses
Millie’s Mark, the accreditation for paediatric first aid excellence in early years settings, is bringing business benefits to many accredited nurseries.
Over 80 settings across England have now been awarded Millie’s Mark, which involves a rigorous assessment process – including risk assessments, a thorough setting audit which includes the setting’s practice on checking due diligence of their training providers, and checks on staff confidence and knowledge - in addition to all staff being trained in paediatric first aid.
Within just three weeks of Barton Moss Nursery in Salford (photo above) achieving Millie’s Mark, almost 20 new children joined the nursery.
Manager Angela Jones has seen how the award provides reassurance for parents in practice: “As well as being fantastic for our current families, new parents have chosen our setting as we are able to demonstrate our commitment to help keep children safe.
"Millie’s Mark has had a massive impact on our sustainability, alongside boosting staff confidence. Parents are reassured in the knowledge that, when their children are left with us, their wellbeing is our biggest priority.
“Millie’s Mark was far more than ensuring that all staff were first aid trained. Working through the process enabled us to look at all our policies and procedures in addition to assessing staff competency in dealing with emergency situations.”
Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, Salford City Council, said: “As a mum myself I know how important it is to be reassured your child is in safe hands when they go to nursery.
“The staff at Barton Moss have gone over and above to get this award and should be very proud of themselves.”
HeadStart Day Nursery in Horsham has also seen business benefits after being awarded.
In the nursery’s recent Ofsted inspection, where it received an Outstanding grade, the inspector reported: “Children’s wellbeing is given the highest priority. For example the setting achieved Millie’s Mark to show they exceed minimum requirements in keeping children safe.”
Nursery Manager Sallyanne Kasey said: “The Millie’s Mark process highlighted to us the importance of staggering staff first aid training, ensuring we are up-to-date with current best practice.
“We are very proud to be one of the first nurseries to receive this award and would encourage other settings to take part and promote the importance of safety within nurseries.”
Millie’s Mark is being delivered by the National Day Nurseries Association, the national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, on behalf of the Department for Education. It was developed with Millie’s Trust, and is named after Millie Thompson.