Taking care to look after kids… nursery school in Waterloo receives Millie’s Mark

A nursery which received Millie’s Mark – a new quality mark – has also finished second in the national NDNA Award.

St Patrick’s Montessori Nursery School in Cornwall Road, Waterloo is celebrating after they came runners-up in the National Day Nurseries Association’s Nursery (NDNA) of the Year South 2018

Parents wrote praising testimonies to help St Patrick’s become a finalist in the 15th annual awards.

Lynnsey Fitzgerald, nursery manager, said: “We are delighted. “We feel extremely proud that the parents support us so much to vote for us in this way.

Staff and children here are ecstatic.” NDNA chief executive, Purnima Tanuku, said: “A huge well done to St Patrick’s Nursery.  This is a fantastic achievement for them.

“They should be very proud of their amazing, hard work in this sector. I look forward to seeing them at the ceremony.”

The winners were announced at the ceremony at the Ricoh Arena in Derby on June 22.

St Patrick’s Nursery recently announced that it has received national recognition for going above and beyond the minimum requirements in paediatric first aid.

With its robust processes and documentation, the nursery staff strive to keep children safe by minimising risks and accidents and giving parents that greater reassurance.

St. Patrick’s Nursery has been awarded Millie’s Mark by National Day Nurseries Association in collaboration with Department for Education and Millie’s Trust.

Millie’s Mark is named after Millie Thompson, who tragically died as a result of choking in a nursery in 2012.

Her parents Dan and Joanne Thompson have campaigned for all staff to have paediatric first aid training and having Millie’s Mark demonstrates that nurseries have met this.

In addition it shows they work hard to keep these crucial skills in the forefront of employees’ minds, so they are competent and can apply paediatric first aid in any situation.

Sarah Corrway, deputy manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Millie’s Mark.

“This is a special achievement and shows how serious we are about ensuring children are safe when they are in our care.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us during this process and we are all very much looking forward to celebrating our success.” ~

Purnima Tanuku, chief said: “Achieving Millie’s Mark is a great achievement for the nursery, it shows that all staff are fully trained in paediatric first aid and that they have reflected on their current practice to improve competence and confidence.

“Becoming a Millie’s Mark’s nursery is a clear indicator for parents that this nursery has met the highest standards and gives them the reassurance that their children are safe’.

The nursery raises money for charities close to their heart and this year they are raising money for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

The charity funds Roald Dahl specialist children’s nurses.

They provide expert care and support to children with serious illness, and their families.

Lynnsey, the nursery manager is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October to raise money for their nominated charity.

To help Lynnsey Fitzgerald and her team achieve their target, go to https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/lynnseydoingkili

For more information about St Patrick’s Nursery, call Lynnsey on 0207 928 5557