Award for Healthy Childcare

A new award scheme is rolling out across Tameside to recognise the work being done to promote healthy eating for local babies and young children, and help them in this vital role of improving local health. NHS Tameside and Glossop Children�s Nutrition Team, Oral Health Improvement Teams and partner agencies have introduced the new award for childcare providers caring for children under five years of age, ensuring these providers in Tameside and Glossop meet national and local food, nutrition and oral health guidelines and promote physical activity.
The preschool years are an ideal time to establish the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Parents are primarily responsible for their child�s nutrition, oral health (ie. taking care of teeth) and physical activity during these years, but childcare providers can also play an important role.� Healthy eating and drinking is essential for ideal growth, good dental health and development in childhood. Nearly a quarter of children aged four to five years are overweight in our area, which can lead to many health problems later in life.�� It is therefore important that children develop healthy eating patterns from an early age.
The Nutrition and Oral Health Award for Carers of the Under 5s is open to all Tameside and Glossop childcare providers, whether they are nurseries, childminders, playgroups or Mums and Tots groups. Childcare providers achieving the award will be promoted as examples of good practice.
In order to gain the award childcare providers need to provide healthy food, drinks and snacks for all babies and children whatever their needs. They are expected to have a healthy eating and oral health policy, and should offer educational food and oral health activities, as well as promoting physical activity. All childcare providers receive a resource pack, and will also able to attend food, nutrition and oral health training accredited by the Open College Network.
When an award is made a certificate is provided for award-holders to display, demonstrating their commitment to children�s health.�� A number of nurseries in the Tameside area have already received the award, these are: Abacus Private Day Nursery, Rosebuds Day Nursery, Little Tigers Day Nursery and Hill Top Day Nursery.� Playgroups that have attained the award include Tiny Trees and Happy Hedgehogs.
The latest recipient of the award is Clockwork Day Nursery in Ashton-under-Lyne. Their cycle of menus are an excellent example of good practice and provide the children with a wide variety of healthy foods.� They provide regular indoor and outdoor play, such as dance and sports activities.� The nursery also has its own vegetable garden where the children are actively involved in growing their own food.
NHS Tameside and Glossop Children�s Nutrition Team Lead, Sheila Simon says: Giving children a healthy start in life is one of our top priorities to ensure children are able to live a happy, healthy and active lifestyle. This is a fantastic opportunity for childcare providers to celebrate their good practice and be recognised for this in Tameside and Glossop.

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