Rishi has congratulated a farm-based nursery on being recognised for meeting the highest standards in safeguarding the children in its care.
He visited the Mini Explorers Nursery at Crabtree Hall Business Centre, near Bedale, to hear about it being awarded Millie’s Mark.
The award recognises a childcare setting for going above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure children are safe.
Mini Explorers Nursery was established by husband and wife team Mark and Steph Pybus in 2012 and subsequently won a number of awards for its care. These included a UK Rural Business Awards in 2019 for Best Rural Education Business.
The nursery champions outdoor learning with the children free to roam fields, walk dogs and alpacas, feed sheep, grow their own food and collect eggs from the centre’s chickens.
After unveiling plaque recording the Millie’s Mark for “exceptional” childcare, Rishi said: “Mini Explorers is a very special place for children and I am delighted that it has met the exacting standards for Millie’s Mark.
“Parents can be assured that their children will be able to enjoy lots of fun outdoors but in safety. My visit was a lot of fun and I could happily stayed a lot longer.”
During his visit, Mr Sunak met staff from the nearby business centre and visited The Nest, the centre’s own café, used by staff, parents of children attending the nursery and the general public.
Mrs Pybus, the nursery’s director, said the staff and children were pleased to welcome Rishi to Mini Explorers and to show him what had been done to create a unique childcare setting.
She said: “Rishi enjoyed his visit and we were thrilled to see him engage with our children and staff.
“Millie’s Mark means a lot to us and our team who, for example, are all now qualified paediatric first-aiders to meet the award’s standard.”
