A NURSERY has received national recognition for its approach to first aid and ensuring children are safe.

St Mary's Nursery based in Wensley Fold Children's Centre in Blackburn was awarded the Millie's Mark for going above and beyond what is required in paediatric first aid.

Staff at the Carnarvon Road nursery were praised for striving to keep children safe by minimising risks and accidents and giving parents greater reassurance.

Millie's Mark is awarded by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) in collaboration with Department for Education and Millie’s Trust.

The award is named after Millie Thompson, who tragically died as a result of choking in a nursery in 2012.

Her parents Dan and Joanne Thompson, who grew up in Burnley, have campaigned for all staff to have paediatric first aid training.

Having Millie’s Mark demonstrates that nurseries have met this and 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.

Tracy Ellett, area nursery 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 executive of NDNA, 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."

Other nurseries awarded Millie's Mark are Lomeshaye Village Nursery in Nelson.

The process takes three to six months and involves intensive support from an NDNA mentor, completion of an audit, risk assessment and spot checks.

Millie's Trust also provides first aid awareness courses to those who are pregnant, have a child under the age of 12 months or are struggling to find the funds to attend.

For more information visit www.milliestrust.com.