Government minister promises national review into first aid training in nurseries following campaign by Stockport charity

Millie’s Trust organised a petition which received 102,000 signatures and led to Monday’s debate in Westminster

A Government minister has promised a national review into the provision of paediatric first aid in nurseries after a campaign by Stockport charity Millie’s Trust.

Joanne and Dan Thompson set up the charity after their nine-month-old daughter Millie died in a choking incident at a Cheadle Hulme nursery.

A petition they started which called on the government to change the law to make it compulsory for all nursery workers to be trained in paediatric first aid received over 102,000 signatures.

The petition led to a debate by MPs in Westminster on Monday led by Cheadle MP Mark Hunter.

Following the debate Parliamentary under-secretary of state for childcare and education, Sam Gyimah MP, promised a review to include a wide consultation of pre-schools on their practices, and what checks there are on first-aid training providers.

Joanne and Dan and Mr Hunter then met privately with Mr Gyimah.

Joanne, 29, from Bramhall, said: “We are pleased that this legislation has been debated and as far as we are concerned, this is a positive outcome.

‘We have known from the beginning that was never going to be an easy road, today has just been another stepping stone and we were encouraged by the fact the Government want Dan and I are take part in the national review. We will keep fighting on behalf of parents everywhere.”

Dan and Joanne Thompson with Cheadle MP Mark Hunter
Millie choked on shepherd’s pie at Ramillies Hall nursery on October 23, 2012 and an inquest heard the nursery supervisor looking after her did not have a current first aid certificate.

The charity, set up in her memory two years ago, aims to raise awareness of paediatric first aid training and to fund training for the parents and carers of children who might not be able to afford it.

It has trained over 7,000 nursery staff and parents and saved over 100 lives.

Mr Hunter added: “It is great news that the government will have an official review on current policy and this will give us a real opportunity to change the law for the better.

“I know that the Millie’s Trust and all their loyal supporters will join me in taking the opportunity to input into the review and ensuring that the case for change is unanswerable.

“I look forward to hearing from the minister shortly about the finer details of the review and ensuring that it is as widespread as possible so that the government can be in no doubt about the strength of feeling on this issue.”

Last week it was announced that ambulances around the country will need to carry a fully stocked life-saving paediatric kit following a recommendation from the coroner at the inquest.