At Ashbrook Infant and Nursery School, we strongly believe that children are unable to learn effectively and truly flourish if both their mental health well-being and physical needs are not met.  We are committed to ensuring that all  of our children are educated through our curriculum and provision so that they are able to make positive choices themselves regarding leading a healthy life-style.  As educators, we also strongly believe that it is our duty to educate our children so they recognise where they can go to seek help, or use taught strategies themselves to keep healthy and 'balanced' minds and bodies.  Through a whole host of teaching and learning opportunities, including, our PHSE,science and Physical Education Curriculums, our assemblies and focussed whole school activity days and weeks, we strategically plan and deliver a curriculum which promotes 'healthy living' so our children recognise how they can contribute towards keeping themselves healthy and happy for life.

The government's 'Better Health Campaign' is an up-to-date initiative to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles and to combat obesity.  More information can be found, using the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health  This government strategy is aimed to tackling obesity, which is one of the greatest long-term health challenges this country faces.  As a country, we have 1 in 3 children leaving primary school who are already overweight or living with obesity.  Obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy and it is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases.

There are many ways in which you can help to support your child and family to lead healthier and more active life-styles and there are a wide range of organisations and on-line platforms to seek further information.  

• Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Derbyshire Healthcare

Click here to visit the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Website. It is packed full of support services, toolkits and information about how to get medical help for you and your family.

Physical Activity

Physical activity contributes to the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of all children and young people within the school and its community.  The links between health, physical activity and wellbeing are well established.  Physical activity guidelines for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years now state that:-

1. All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day.
2. Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week.
3. All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.

Right from the Early Years, a range of activities and opportunities are planned and delivered so that the children can develop control and coordination skills and participate in more ‘vigorous’ and intense physical activity to improve fitness levels.

Dental Hygiene

Our children learn about good dental hygiene right from our Nursery Classes, where the children are given their own toothbrush and toothpaste and taught how to brush their teeth properly. Further guidance can be found in the NHS guidance below. As part of our science and PSHE Curriculum, the children also learn about the importance of looking after their teeth and maintaining good dental hygiene. We further reinforce this, through inviting dental practitioners into school to talk to the children and demonstrate how to brush their teeth properly.

From brushing your child’s first tooth, to organising their very first trip to the dentist, if you would like any information regarding dental hygiene, please follow the links below.

Click on the links below for further information.

If you would like any further information or support about your child’s health or well-being, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Roebuck