Youngsters eating their way to new health award

A new project to get youngsters eating healthier meals has been launched in Stafford Borough.


The ‘Nurturing Health Award’ scheme is a borough council initiative which will be run across nurseries in the borough.

Local nurseries in line for the award will be visited by borough council health officers to find out if children are being provided with a balanced diet. It will also look at the amount of physical activity the children undertake as well as oral health and food safety on the premises.

And nurseries meeting the healthy eating standard will be awarded certificates to mark their achievement. There are four awards ranging from bronze level to platinum.

The scheme is being run by the borough council and is part of the ‘Live well be well in Staffordshire’ partnership.

Cabinet member for Environment and Health, Councillor Stan Highfield, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of our community is one of the council’s top priorities.

“This new scheme is about supporting those working with young children to provide a varied, safe and balanced diet and to encourage a healthier lifestyle.”

Letters have gone to more than 40 nurseries in the borough inviting them to take part in the project. The pre-schools will now be registered with the council before being visited by a health officer.

For more details about the scheme go to www.staffordhealth.co.uk or email kharrold@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619000.