Selly Oak Nursery School had a taste of success when it received an award from Birmingham Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim for championing a healthy lifestyle scheme.
Deputy Head Teacher Laura Foster, key worker Emma Wilson (HLTA) and the children attended a special event at the Council House and were presented with a plaque for successfully implementing the Health For Life project.
The scheme is a partnership between Birmingham Services for Education (BSE) and Mondelez International – who have provided the funding – and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Mrs Wilson, who spearheaded the initiative for the School, said: “On behalf of the school I am thrilled to have led the project and observed the impact it has had on the children and parents.
“Miss Foster and I were amazed to have received the award on behalf of the school from the Lord Mayor.
“The legacy of the project will continue for years to come and as a school we will ensure all existing and future children can go shopping at our local stores for ingredients, plant their own vegetables and prepare and cook healthy recipes at our cooking station.”
Selly Oak was one of 12 forward-thinking nurseries in Birmingham who implemented the scheme in January 2019, when previously it had only been open to primary schools.
Over the last year, the Nursery has encouraged children to plant and harvest fresh vegetables and tomatoes, organised shopping trips to buy nutritious foods, as well as prepare tasty meals such as vegetable soup and potato salads.
Mums and dads were also encouraged to cook with their littles ones during special lessons in Forest School, while they also contributed healthy recipes, which Selly Oak hopes to compile into a book in the future.
Mondelez donated £1,000 to the School, which allowed it to purchase equipment and utensils for a cooking station to further the scheme.
The preschool, which prepares 3 and 4-year-olds for primary school, is a member of the Birmingham Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools.
Selly Oak Nursery School has a proven track record of high quality education and care and has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018.
Registration for 2020-21 places is now open and anyone interested in finding out more can call 0121 472 1700, email enquiry@sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk or visit www.sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk
Image: HEALTHY EATING AWARD: Laura Foster (Deputy Head Teacher, right), key worker Emma Wilson (HLTA, left) and children were presented with a special plaque by Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Mohammed Azim at the Council House to mark obtaining the Health For Life award.