Party-time at Coningsby nursery

Jenny Streather with Emily Streather 5. Picture: David Dawson.

Little Acorns is celebrating after securing a much coveted national award.

The nursery is the first in the area to have been awarded ‘Millie’s Mark’ by the National Day Nurseries Association, the Department for Education and Millie’s Trust.

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

Emma Dickens (Team Leader), Emily Rowe with 9-week-old William Rowe, Sqn Ldr James Rowe. Picture: David Dawson.

Her parents, Dan and Joanne Thompson, have campaigned for all staff to have paediatric first aid training and securing Millie’s Mark demonstrates that a nursery has met the requirements.

In addition, the award shows staff work hard to maintain their skills, so they can perform first aid in any situation.

Owner Nicola Holt, who set up Little Acorns five years ago, 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.

L-R Nicola Holt (owner), Sqn Ldr James Rowe, Dr Emily Rowe with 9-week-old William Rowe, Flora Rowe 3, Amanda Long, Michelle Seddon, Arabella Holt 9, Philip Seddon, Susan Hagan (pre-school learning alliance). Picture: David Dawson.

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

Those celebrations took place last Friday with a Mad Hatters tea party attended by staff, children and parents.

The nursery provides a vital service in Coningsby – and not least for personnel based at the nearby RAF station.

Squadron Leader James Rowe and his wife Emily, a doctor, were among the parents who attended the celebrations.

He said: “We send our daughter to the nursery and the staff are absolutely brilliant.

“In my job, it is reassuring to know that my daughter is in such safe hands.

“Our son will definitely be coming here as well – once he is old enough`”

Ms Holt added: “Although we are now an official Millie’s Mark awarded nursery, our hard work of continuously developing our quality care and education will not stop.

Victoria Atkins MP was among the people who joined in praise for the nursery, saying: “It is fantastic to see they have secured Millie’s Mark.”

Meanwhile, Friday’s party raised funds for the family of a Coningsby youngster, a former nursery pupil, who is battling cancer at a hospital in Nottingham.