The Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre, on the Robert Gordon University (RGU) campus, has become the first nursery in Grampian to achieve the national Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Award.
Operated by Bright Horizons in partnership with RGU, the nursery has been recognised for its commitment to supporting breastfeeding families after successfully completing the process, which is delivered in partnership with the NHS Grampian Public Health team.
The award acknowledges organisations that create welcoming, inclusive and supportive environments for breastfeeding parents. To achieve the award, Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre demonstrated strong policies, staff training and practical measures that ensure parents feel confident and comfortable breastfeeding or expressing milk on the premises.
Fiona McQueen, Nursery Manager at the Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre said: "Receiving the Breastfeeding Award means so much to our whole team. Creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for children and parents is at the heart of everything we do and we're very proud to have this commitment recognised. Every parent has their own journey, and we're committed to supporting each and every one"
From Left to right Emma Williams, NHS Grampian Advanced Public Health Practitioner, Fiona McQueen, Nursery Manager, Nursery child and Kirstie Olsson, Deputy Manager, Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre
Emma Hay-Higgins, RGU Lecturer and Treehouse Nursery parent said: “It is fantastic the Treehouse Nursery has achieved the Breastfeeding Friendly Award, reflecting its commitment to creating a culture of inclusive support for all families. This builds upon wider work across RGU in relation to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme and the re-validation of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award demonstrating sustained commitment to supporting infant feeding and relationship building across our community."
The Breastfeeding Friendly Award is designed to help local authorities, workplaces, public venues and community organisations promote positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. The scheme also supports Scotland’s national ambition to give all children the best start in life by normalising and protecting breastfeeding in everyday settings.
Emma Williams, NHS Grampian Advanced Public Health Practitioner said: “The Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre and the whole RGU campus has shown fantastic commitment to supporting families. Their proactive approach and enthusiasm for the award demonstrate the importance of creating environments where breastfeeding parents feel respected and encouraged. Normalising breastfeeding strengthens health for babies, mothers and communities by reducing illness, protecting long-term wellbeing and supporting the best start in life.”
By creating positive attitudes and removing stigma, we give every child the strongest start and make our communities healthier, more inclusive places for families.”
In receiving the award, the RGU nursery joins a growing number of early years settings across Grampian taking positive steps to support parents. NHS Grampian is encouraging other nurseries, childminders and early learning centres to take part in the scheme.
Participating nurseries benefit from:
- Clear, supportive policies for families and staff returning to work
- Improved staff confidence in supporting breastfeeding parents
- Positive feedback from families
- Recognition through a Scottish Government-endorsed award
- Visible signage that reassures parents they are welcome
Organisations interested in participating can contact the NHS Grampian Breastfeeding Friendly team to find out more about the simple steps involved by emailing gram.bffscotland@nhs.scot