The Early Years health and wellbeing accreditation was created and launched in Slough in January 2021, and since then 13 settings have achieved awards.
Three settings were presented with their certificates this week by Cllr Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, these were Cippenham Nursery School, First Steps Day Nursery and Little Diamonds Preschool.
The initiative supports early years settings to establish and develop the best health and wellbeing practices. These embedded practices benefit the whole family, and settings can showcase the great work they are doing. The awards require assessments in the four areas of: health and wellbeing, nutrition and oral health, physical activity, and emotional and mental wellbeing.
Settings are required to provide evidence that shows how they are helping to tackle health inequalities and enabling families to have a better health outcome. A panel of health professionals evaluate submitted evidence, and the setting is graded with their achieved level of accreditation.
The scheme has four levels of achievement; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and settings are encouraged to work through each level of the accreditation at a sustainable pace, with support and guidance given from the moment of engagement, and throughout.
Councillor Smith said: “It is my pleasure to be here today presenting these awards to three of our early years settings, who have worked so tirelessly to achieve them. The dedication and consistent focus on the health and wellbeing of the children has shone through at assessment stage. Slough is very lucky to have such excellent early years settings throughout the borough with committed and talented teams working to achieve the very best for the children in their care.”
Cippenham Nursery School was presented with a gold certificate and the highest award, a platinum plaque, Nisha Gill, Headteacher, said: “Achieving the Platinum Award for Early Years health and wellbeing is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, who have integrated essential training and practices into every aspect of the nursery.
“The kitemark has enabled the team to reflect on and enhance the ways they promote health and wellbeing throughout the curriculum, ensuring each child and family is supported in leading healthier, happier lives. By focusing on the whole child, the nursery has built a foundation for a brighter future, prioritising holistic growth and lifelong wellness.”
First Steps Day Nursery was awarded a gold certificate, Amanda Bryant, Nursery Manager, said: “First Steps Day Nursery are proud to have received the gold award certificate for Children and Families, Health and Wellbeing Accreditation. For many years this has been part of our daily practice, it is wonderful to have the recognition from our early education partners at Slough Borough Council and to celebrate our achievements.”
Little Diamonds Preschool was awarded a silver certificate, Jagjeet Kaur, Manager of Little Diamonds said: “At Little Diamonds Preschool, we are committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and positive environment where young children can thrive. Our dedicated staff foster a love for learning through engaging, age-appropriate activities that support each child's development in a warm and caring setting.
“We are proud to have earned the prestigious Children and Families Health and Wellbeing Accreditation, recognising our high standards in early childhood care and education. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care, promoting safety, and ensuring the wellbeing of every child entrusted to us.”
If you are a parent/carer and would like to know more about the accreditation, please speak to your child’s early years setting.
If you are an early years provider and would like more information, please contact Jacqui Shadrache, Senior Health improvement Officer on 07889304302 or Jacqui.shadrache@slough.gov.uk