Millie's Mark launched in Scotland

Children’s Minister Maree Todd MSP has launched Millie's Mark for childcarers across Scotland.

 

The Minister visited The Orchard Nursery on Inverleith Row in Edinburgh (pictured), which is one of the first few nurseries to sign up for Millie’s Mark in Scotland.

 

Millie's Mark is delivered by NDNA (National Day Nurseries Association) on behalf of Millie's Trust, which was set up by Dan and Joanne Thompson following the death of their young daughter Millie who choked on food in a nursery. 

 

Millie's Trust

 

Dan and Joanne Thompson said: "As Millie's parents, we are extremely proud that Millie's Mark is launching in Scotland after seeing the response in England. We are dedicated to seeing that all childcare staff know the importance of paediatric first aid and Millie's Mark allows them to review their own emergency procedures and refresh all the knowledge of anyone taking care of a child.

 

“For parents it allows them to see that the people looking after their children have the necessary skills and knowledge to react to an emergency situation and this allows parents to feel more confident in placing their children in these particular settings. We are very much looking forward to seeing the first nurseries awarded in Scotland later this year." 

 

The accreditation

 

To achieve accreditation, all staff working with children must not only be trained in paediatric first aid but need to demonstrate they are confident and keep knowledge up to date and fresh so they can act swiftly in an emergency. The Mark also makes sure the setting’s policies and procedures are robust and regularly reviewed. Read more about the accreditation process .

 

NDNA and Millie’s Trust worked with Scottish Government to review the criteria for Millie’s Mark, which has now received their endorsement.  Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “We have worked closely with the Scottish Government to make sure the accreditation is suitable for childcare providers in Scotland.

 

“NDNA surveyed Scottish parents whose children are in nursery and 97% said it was very important to them that childcarers were qualified in paediatric first aid. A third of these parents were unsure whether the staff in their child’s nursery could handle an emergency first aid situation, so it’s very reassuring for them if a nursery has this high standard accreditation.

 

“We know from feedback from nurseries who have achieved the Mark that their staff are much more confident in dealing with accidents and injuries. In addition, they have seen an increase in inquiries from parents who are happy and reassured that their child is in safe hands.”

 

High standards

 

Ms Todd said: “The Scottish Government is committed to continual training opportunities for staff, and Millie’s Mark provides a great opportunity to upskill staff to be able to do their best for children in their care in an emergency.

 

“Nurseries that sign up to Millie’s Mark will be able to tell parents that they are trained to a high standard in first aid for babies and toddlers, and I’m very pleased that staff are keen to undertake these additional training opportunities where they are available.”

 

Victoria Coia, the Orchard Director/Owner said: “At The Orchard Nursery we have always strived for 100% of our workforce to be first aid trained. We are now keen to embark on the Millie’s Mark scheme which will give reassurance to our families that their children have been left in the best possible care, whilst ensuring robust procedures are in place for maintaining high standards within our early years workforce.”

 

Current requirements

 

Currently there are no specific requirements setting of the numbers of childcarers who must be paediatric first aid trained under Scotland’s Health and Social Care Standards. However childcarers do cover elements of this in qualifications; 1.24 of the Standards states that 'Any treatment or intervention that I experience is safe and effective'; 3.14 states that 'I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled'. Another, 4.14, states that 'My care and support is provided in a planned and safe way, including if there is an emergency or unexpected event'.