I was delighted to visit local charity Millie’s Trust earlier this month and hear about the brilliant work they do to make First Aid training available to everyone.

Millie's Trust was set up by Joanne and Dan, the parents of Millie Thompson who tragically passed away in a choking incident when she was at nursery in October 2012.

It was a real inspiration to talk to Joanne, and she updated me on the progress they are making with the development of ‘Millie’s Mark’ which is being delivered by The National Day Nurseries Association on behalf of the Department for Education in partnership with Millie’s Trust.

Millie’s Mark is a voluntary scheme for nurseries, and a special endorsement to childcare providers that go above and beyond minimum requirements by having 100% of staff trained in paediatric First Aid. Joanne explained that over 150 nurseries have registered for Millie’s Mark since it was launched last year, and the first 10 have recently been awarded the Mark, including 2 locally.

I look forward to hearing about more nurseries being successful in achieving the high standards set by the scheme, which I am sure will help to reassure parents that their children’s safety is at the forefront of the nursery’s mind.