Published 1 September 2016 

For the first time ever, new early years staff are now required to have paediatric first aid training. The changes follow a campaign by the parents of Millie Thompson, a nine-month-old baby who tragically lost her life after choking on her lunch at her Stockport nursery in 2012. Joanne and Dan Thompson have campaigned tirelessly since Millie’s death to raise awareness of paediatric first aid and to help bring about changes to help other parents and save lives of children in childcare settings.

‘Millie’s Law’ came into effect on September 1, and all newly qualified level 2 and 3 nursery staff must also be able to show they have a full paediatric first aid certificate or an emergency paediatric first aid certificate. ‘Millie’s Law’ will mean an extra 15,000 staff a year coming into the education sector will have paediatric first aid training, providing vital reassurance to you that your children will be well cared for, particularly in an emergency.

The Government has also introduced a quality mark, known as Millie’s Mark, for early years childcare providers. Developed by the Department for Education, National Day Nurseries Association and the Thompsons, Millie’s Mark will recognise childcare providers that train all their staff in paediatric first aid, going above and beyond the minimum legal requirements. Charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, is one of the UK’s leading providers in lifesaving, CPR and First Aid training welcomes the new law. Adrian Lole, Technical Director for RLSS UK, answers your questions: What does this mean for my child? Millie’s Law will give you vital reassurance that your children will be well cared for, particular in an emergency. It will ensure that all early years staff have the vital and up-to-date first aid training to deal with emergency situations. What courses can early years staff attend? RLSS UK’s Paediatric First Aid at Work is a IQL UK level 3 course covering a wide range of CPR and First Aid skills relating to children including the Emergency Paediatric First Aid syllabus. The course is Ofqual approved and meets the requirements of the Early Years and Child Care Register. It’s IQL UK Level 3 Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work course covers emergency skills related to children covering a range of specific injuries and illness. What course can I attend as a parent to learn paediatric first aid skills? You can attend any of RLSS UK’s Paediatric First Aid at Work or Emergency Paediatric First Aid at Work courses or you can attend a one of RLSS UK’s Save a Baby’s Life course which is a two-hour workshop that teach basic emergency skills for when a baby stops breathing or is choking. For more information or to find out about your nearest course, visit rlss.org.uk/courses.