Millie’s Mark Officially launched by Childcare Minister
Millie’s Mark is officially launched by the childcare minister after years of campaigning and hard work from two devoted parents. Millie’s Mark has been created after two parents suffered the terrible loss of their daughter in 2012 after she choked on a meal whilst in nursery.
10 early years settings have been chosen and are currently piloting the standards that are required to obtain Millie’ Mark. These settings will be the first to receive Millie’s Mark and be able to display to parents that they have strong first aid procedures in place and that all practitioners in the setting have received paediatric first aid training.
Also as part of Millie’s Trust the charity established by Millie’s parents any practitioners who qualify with both level two and level three childcare qualifications will also have to receive paediatric first aid training from September 2016.
It is hoped that by settings being able to display Millie’s Mark parents will be able to clearly see the settings that put children’s safety first by having all first aid qualified practitioners and excellent first aid procedures and will be able to make a more informed choice when choosing the childcare setting they would like their child to attend.
Having more highly trained practitioners with current paediatric first aid qualifications will mean there is less of a chance of other parents having to suffer the loss of their child due to choking. Millie’s death highlighted the life and death situations practitioners can occasionally be faced with and how important it is that practitioners can confidently handle the situation and ensure no other parents have to suffer the way Millie’s parents have.
Encouraging settings to gain Millie’s Mark and this becoming a firm standard which is expected by parents is a massive step forward by the government in ensuring children in the early years are receiving the highest possible standards of care as well as learning.