What is the Awake Quality Mark?
The Awake Quality Mark is recognition from Awake Early Years Consultancy for childcare settings that meet Awake’s quality criteria.
It isn’t awarded automatically. Awake’s reviewers look at each setting’s evidence and make the final decision — completing the Awake Health Check on its own never awards the Quality Mark.
Every Quality Mark has its own verification code, so parents and anyone else can check that it’s genuine and still valid.
Who can apply
- Awake member settings — childminders and day nurseries — whose membership plan includes Quality Mark eligibility.
- Depending on the current criteria, a setting may also need a recent Awake Health Check, a minimum Health Check score, or no overdue actions in its action plan.
- The member portal shows exactly which requirements apply and whether your setting meets them, with links to help you meet any that are outstanding.
How it works
Check your eligibility
In the member portal, see the current requirements and whether your setting meets them.
Start your application
Your setting's owner or a manager starts an application against the current Quality Mark criteria.
Add your evidence
For each criterion, upload documents or photos, or describe your practice in writing. Save as you go.
Awake review
An Awake reviewer looks at your statement and evidence, and may ask you for more information before deciding.
Decision
Awake's reviewers make the final decision and explain it. If it isn't approved this time, you can apply again when you're ready.
Certificate
Approved settings can print their certificate. Each one carries a unique verification code that anyone can check.
Renewal
A Quality Mark is valid for a set period, shown on the certificate. We remind settings before it expires so they can renew.