Hydesville Tower School Nursery has 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.
Hydesville Tower School 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.
Sam Smith, 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 National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) adds: “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’.
LOCKDOWN SUCCESS FOR GCSE PUPILS AT HYDESVILLE TOWER SCHOOL
Pupils from Hydesville Tower School in Walsall are celebrating excellent GCSE results today, with 94% of all papers taken achieving a “good pass” or better at Grade 5+.
Most impressively, 52% of exam grades at Hydesville were awarded at Grade 7 or above with almost half the cohort securing 5 or more GCSEs at Grades 7-9 – the previous A grade equivalent. Almost a third of all exams were awarded Grades 8 or 9, the latter being the equivalent of an A** to show exceptional performance.
Success this year has been even more poignant for pupils due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘no exam’ declaration has meant pupils who were due to sit GCSE exams this summer have received a centre-assessed grade in line with government directions.
Headmaster, Mr Honey, explains: “Although the last few days have been tumultuous for all concerned in education, we must not lose sight that these GCSE grades are a fitting reward for the efforts of the pupils prior to lockdown. It was not their choice that this occurred, and many were disappointed not to have the chance to demonstrate their full potential. We are delighted to celebrate with them today, even whilst being aware of safety requirements, and know that they are ready for the next stage of their education journey.”
The global lockdown didn’t stop Hydesville pupils excelling and results in specific subject areas this year were exceptional. In the three separate sciences, 85% of grades were 7 or above. In Business Studies, a third of the cohort attained grade 9, and there was high levels of success in Maths, Religious Studies, History, Drama and Spanish, where the majority of pupils secured grade 7 or above.
All of the Year 11 cohort at Hydesville are to be congratulated for a superb set of results. In particular, Rory, Shah, Landon, Rachna and Abdullah each collected seven or more of the highest grades – 8s and 9s.
Miss Lauren Jenkins, Head of Senior School, remarked: “It is wonderful to congratulate the class of 2020 for their outstanding achievements. Their tenacity and resilience in dealing with the situation says a great deal for the character that is developed through Hydesville. We have been proud to see how this year group has grown in confidence, maturity and stature as the years have passed, and wish them well for the next steps.”
Hydesville Tower School, situated on Broadway North in Walsall, is proudly non-selective and is fully committed to helping pupils achieve the very best results possible.
Mr Warren Honey, Headmaster, added: “It is a pleasure to celebrate with our staff and pupils who have worked so hard to achieve these results. My congratulations go to all of our GCSE pupils and I wish them every success as they take their next steps into post-16 education and beyond. These results provide a clear indication that the personalised approach taken at Hydesville gives every child the opportunity to flourish and fulfil their potential.”
