It has been one year since we launched our Meningitis Aware Recognition Mark for childcare providers – and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now got nearly 500 registrations!
This means that thousands of children around the country are better protected from meningitis, thanks to the comprehensive checklist of actions every participating childcare setting has signed up to.
This includes displaying awareness materials and training staff about the signs and symptoms of the disease, informing parents and carers about meningitis, and ensuring a policy is in place to deal with a case of the disease.
Meningitis Now Information and Projects coordinator Kelly Archer – who runs the MARM scheme – said that she was delighted at how many nurseries, childminders, preschools and other childcare settings had joined the scheme.
“We are always looking for ways to reach people about the risks of meningitis, including how to spot the early signs of the disease,” she said.
“Most people know that babies and toddlers are the most at-risk age group for meningitis so it made sense to work with the people who care for them. We came up with a really simple checklist which meant anyone who had young children and babies in their care could know they were doing everything possible to help protect the youngsters from meningitis”.
Kelly explained that all the information needed to join MARM was on Meningitis Now’s website – along with extra content including a “what is meningitis” video and downloadable presentation slides.
“We’re so thrilled at how many nurseries, childminders and preschools have already signed up – now we’re determined to keep working and double that number in the year ahead!”.
Find about more about our MARM programme.
