We feel that it is important to promote a healthy lifestyle right from the start. We encourage children to play outdoors with lots of opportunities to develop both their bodies and their minds.
snack
At each session children are offered a drink of milk, or chilled water and a “snack”, for which we ask for a contribution of 20p a day (£1 per week) Snack varies enormously, but is always healthy. It could be cheese or fruit – apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, etc. or raw vegetables – carrots, celery, sweet peppers, dips and bread sticks. Children might also make sandwiches, toast or warm bread from time to time. We ask you to contribute £1 a week for snack. This is payable through ParentPay.
For children who access a 30 hour place, the snack payment is included in the daily fee of £5
nature time and outdoor play
Playing outdoors is essential for young children, not just for their growing bodies, but for the development of their minds too. Outdoors they have opportunities for investigation, exploration, for creative experiences, for working together in imaginative play, for sharing and co-operation. We have waterproof waders for everyone, so that weather/water play is never a problem.
In family groups, children spend a whole week with their key person and Vicky, our nature atelierista, outdoors based at our allotment/nature garden, often venturing out to explore some of the wild spaces of Wingate, experiencing nature throughout the seasons. This happens, whatever the weather (within reason) with children dressed in warm, waterproof clothing, thermals and strong sturdy footwear.
And here are some of the benefits:
- fresh, outdoor oxygen feeds your brain and every single cell in your body
- helps you think better and more clearly
- is good for digestion – helps digest food more effectively
- improves your blood pressure and heart rate
- raises happiness and well-being and makes you feel more refreshed and relaxed
- helps to build a stronger immune system – white blood cells need more oxygen to fight off infection and germs
- not only contributes to physical well-being but also mental health
- improves fitness – active children are healthy children
- builds stronger heart, bones and muscles
- improves posture and balance
- encourages better night’s sleep
- has a direct link to better academic achievement
Parents will receive more information at a workshop held at nursery, where we share a clear rationale for why we spend so much time outdoors in nature with children, exploring risk v benefits.
healthy teeth
We help children to understand the importance of looking after teeth and encourage all our children and families to follow our Healthy Teeth Policy. Looking after our teeth is something we talk regularly to children about both at family group time and whilst at the snack table, reminding children about cleaning their teeth and choosing to eat healthy snacks at home too.
