World Prematurity Month 2023: Why I’m proud my nursery is Prem Aware

I’m thrilled to share the journey that our team at Bright Little Stars in Stanmore has embarked on in achieving the Prem Aware Award. This accolade represents not just a recognition but a commitment... a commitment to support more families within our setting, aiding our staff in their care of premature babies, and spreading awareness about the normality of premature births and the unique developmental journeys of these special children.

A personal connection

Ruby, a few days old, weighing 3lb 12oz (1.7kg), in Nov 1994 with her dad

For me, this cause hits home. Born prematurely myself, I've always found it fascinating how children, especially those born prematurely, develop at different paces. During the PRISM training we undertook as part of the Award process, I was enlightened about the challenges faced by prem babies, challenges that often go unnoticed. It made me realise the importance of early intervention and understanding the long-term effects these challenges can have on a child's life. Discussing this with my colleagues at Bright Little Stars made us more confident in our ability to nurture every child's potential.

Surprising revelations

The process of becoming Prem Aware was intense yet enlightening. The training provided us with a wealth of information and facts that we could immediately integrate into our teaching methods. It was surprising to learn that more children in our care were premature than we had initially thought. This revelation prompted us to revise our documents, ensuring we were asking the right questions during the intake process.

What educators should know

Speaking from my own experience, I wish my educators had known the diverse ways prematurity can affect a child's development. Personally, I struggled with fine motor skills, a challenge that had a lasting impact on my school experience. Awareness and tailored support could have made a significant difference.

The ripple effect

This award signifies more than just a certification on our wall. It signifies understanding. Understanding that children develop at different paces and might need tailored support. We are now better equipped to provide appropriate resources for premature babies, aiding them in achieving their potential and reaching their milestones at their own pace.

The feedback from parents has been heartwarming. One parent of twins shared their appreciation, acknowledging the impact of prematurity on developmental milestones. Their support motivates us further to create an environment where every child, regardless of their birth circumstances, can flourish.

Community and understanding

One things that makes me incredibly proud is not just the Award itself, but how our dedicated staff embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. Their quick adaptation and willingness to learn have made parents of children born prematurely feel more open to discussing their concerns, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

In the spirit of giving back, we organised a cake sale to support The Smallest Things charity. The children baked and sold cakes, reminding us that even the smallest gestures can make a significant impact.

A call to action

To other nurseries and schools considering the Prem Aware Award, I say this: take the leap.

Spread awareness, educate parents, and foster an environment where every child's unique developmental journey is understood and celebrated.

Thank you for reading about our journey to becoming Prem Aware. Together, let's create a world where every child, regardless of their premature birth, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Thanks to Ruby Tilley, Nursery Manager at Bright Little Stars Nursery, for sharing her story.