Stepping Stones pre-school, based in Vazon, is the first early years setting to receive the Healthy Early Years Programme Award.
For several years Primary and Secondary schools in the Bailiwick have received Healthy Schools Award, and this has now been extended to Early Years settings. The Award evaluates schools and settings by various categories which reflect their commitment to health. These categories include; leadership and management, emotional health and wellbeing, nutrition and oral health, physical activity / active play and family and community involvement.
Alun Williams, Be Active lead from the Health Improvement Commission and part of the validating team commented:
“Early Years Settings play a crucial role in establishing supportive healthy environments for children. Over the past few years, under the guidance of the States Early Years Team, early years settings have worked really hard toincorporate health into all aspect of children’s experiences. We are pleased to extend the Healthy Schools awards to early years settings as a recognition of their contribution.”
Kate Hynes, Early Years Education Officer, also a member of the validating team was impressed with the approach of Stepping Stones:
“Stepping Stones is a bright and welcoming pre-school which is developing an ethos to support the health and wellbeing of all their children and staff. Staff understand the importance of ensuring that early years settings are healthy environments which enable children to thrive.
The commitment to putting the interests of young children at the heart of everything that is undertaken at Stepping Stones is testimony to the hard work of the staff, support of parents and their engagement with the children.”
The Award will be presented by Lady Corder in a visit to the pre-school on Wednesday 12th May. The visit will include an energetic trip to Vazon Beach.
Jemma Wilson, manager of Stepping Stones pre-school, comments:
“My team and I are so proud that our Preschool is the first to achieve this award. The children have been eager to participate in our various healthy food and lifestyle activities. Our families have also embraced our new policies and have been extremely supportive throughout the whole process. We can't thank our families and the Health Improvement Commission enough for helping us achieve this award.”