We’re delighted to announce that all ten of our nurseries have now achieved Millie’s Mark accreditation. This means that all 460 Snapdragons employees, including non-childcare staff, are fully trained in paediatric first aid,

What is Millie’s Mark?
Millie’s Mark is an accreditation scheme designed to raise the standards of paediatric first aid in early years settings. Named after Millie Thompson, who tragically died of choking, the Mark was established by Millie’s parents with a clear purpose: to prevent such incidents in the future. The scheme focuses on providing the highest standards of paediatric first aid training, ensuring that all employees are equipped with the skills to act swiftly and competently in any emergency situation, exceeding the statutory requirement for first aid.

The key aims of Millie’s Mark include:

·       Raising Standards in Paediatric First Aid: By ensuring that every nursery has all staff trained in paediatric first aid, we raise the overall standard of care and safety within early years settings.

·       Increasing the Number of Paediatric First Aid-Trained Practitioners: Millie’s Mark ensures that their staff are not only trained but also refreshed regularly, so they’re always up-to-date on life-saving techniques.

·       Increasing Confidence and Competence: It’s not enough to simply have first aid skills; our employees must be confident in their ability to apply them in real-world situations. Millie’s Mark helps build that confidence.

·       Quick Responses in Emergencies: In an emergency, every second counts. Millie’s Mark ensures that all our staff are trained to respond quickly and effectively, no matter the situation.

·       Raising the Quality of the Early Years Workforce: Through continuous training and development, we raise the overall quality of the workforce, allowing them to manage everyday challenges, such as allergies or minor injuries, with greater expertise.

·       Reassurance to Parents: For parents, knowing their children are in a nursery with Millie’s Mark accreditation offers peace of mind, knowing that their child’s safety is a top priority.

Why Millie’s Mark Matters to Us
As an organisation dedicated to providing the highest quality care for children, achieving Millie’s Mark across all ten of our nurseries is a significant milestone. It means that our team is equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle a wide range of emergencies, from allergic reactions to more serious incidents. It’s about creating an environment where both parents and children feel confident and safe.

With 460 staff members now trained, we’ve ensured that every corner of our nurseries is covered. Achieving Millie’s Mark isn’t just about meeting a standard; it’s about exceeding expectations and offering a level of care that puts the safety of the children first, always.

We’ve also exceeded the Millie’s Mark standards by offering subsidised paediatric first aid training for parents. Currently, over 80 parents have signed up to receive training through our trusted partner, Wiltshire First Aid. This initiative helps empower parents with the confidence and knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies, no matter where they are.

By providing this opportunity for parents to access training at a reduced cost, we’re fostering a stronger connection between families and nurseries, as well as helping build a network of people who are prepared and ready to act when needed.

Purnima Tanuku CBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) which administers Millie’s Mark said: “Huge congratulations to Snapdragons and all their staff for achieving Millie’s Mark across all their settings. This is an impressive undertaking with so many members of staff and across some very large nurseries.

“We are so proud that more and more nurseries across the UK achieve Millie’s Mark, the gold standard in paediatric first aid. This gives reassurance to parents that the staff are up to date with their training but also this is refreshed regularly in settings to make sure they can act swiftly in an emergency.

“Well done Snapdragons for this achievement!”Snapdragons Nursery Achieves Millie’s Mark in Paediatric First Aid Across All 10 Settings