Millie the giraffe visits nurseries across the country
Millie the giraffe, the official Millie's Mark mascot, has been visiting recently awarded nursery settings across England to present staff and children with their certificates.
A total of 12 settings were recently awarded the accreditation, which is the new voluntary gold standard for paediatric first aid.
Millie visited Monkey Puzzle in Southport to unveil their certificate and plaque. Manager Nicky Welsby said: "The children had their own 'first aid' lessons and were presented with certificates.
"I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the Millie's Mark team for your help and support throughout the process. We are thrilled with everything including the outcome."
The giraffe also visited Hipperholme and Lightcliffe Day Nurseries Ltd in Brighouse, and met parents, practitioners and children from the nursery (photo above). Patricia Hanson, NDNA's Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development, and Craig Whittaker MP also came along to celebrate.
The Millie's Mark process takes three to six months and involves intensive support from an NDNA mentor, completion of an audit, risk assessments and spot checks. Millie's Mark is now being awarded to successful nurseries monthly.
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is delivering Millie's Mark. Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “Millie’s Mark is a fantastic achievement for these childcare providers. It will give parents the reassurance that the nursery they have selected is doing all they can to keep children safe.
“We hope it will help parents make an informed choice about childcare.”
Millie will next appear at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead - another newly accredited nursery - for a fun day on Saturday 25 February.