Mary Robinson, MP for Cheadle, Staffordshire, visited the town’s Elm Cottage Nursery to mark the achievement of the 1000^th Millie’s Mark accreditation.

Millie’s Mark, considered the gold standard in paediatric first aid for early years settings, is administered by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) on behalf of Millie’s Trust. 

Launched in 2016, Millie’s Mark is owned by Millie’s Trust and named after Millie Thompson who died following an incident in a nursery.

Stephanie Beschizza, Elm Cottage Nursery manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to acquire the Millie’s Mark accreditation again.  Having taken part in the pilot in 2016 and being one of the first ten settings in the country to gain this award, we feel privileged to continue to be a part of the success of Millie’s Mark.” 

She added: “We proudly inform families of this accreditation when they visit the setting and it’s rewarding to hear how this offers them extra reassurance with regards to the care and safety of their children here at Elm Cottage. Our staff are confident in their roles with ensuring they are alert to all safety aspects and minimising risks.  This has been a result of robust in house training and keeping up to date with our PFA.”

Millie’s father Dan Thompson, who set up Millie’s Trust with Millie’s mum Joanne, said: “We are so very proud that Millie’s Mark is celebrating its 1000th award. It’s been an honour to see so many childcare settings making the application in our daughter’s memory and seeing how childcare settings appreciate how important having 100% staff trained in Paediatric First Aid is.”

Purnima Tanuku, NDNA chief executive, said: “Millie’s Mark gives peace of mind to parents and staff. We place emphasis on staff training and they need to demonstrate how they will keep their knowledge up to date and act in an emergency.”