Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District has recognised local Early Childhood Education and Care services (ECECs) for their efforts to promote physical activity and healthy eating with the announcement of the inaugural Munch & Move Services of the Year.
Early Learning on George were named Munch & Move Early Childhood Education Service of the Year for Hawkesbury LGA
The Munch & Move program is a NSW Health initiative which supports the healthy development of children from birth to 5 years. Offered in early childhood education and care centres, Munch & Move offers a fun, play-based approach to promoting healthy habits in young children and reducing their small screen time.
One hundred and eighty-one ECECs within our local community have been trained in Munch & Move.
This year, the District’s Munch & Move team launched an awards initiative to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work ECECs are doing to support the health of local children.
An astonishing number of ECECs entered the inaugural awards and entrants were judged on how effectively they implemented healthy eating and physical activity practices into their daily routines and how they involved families and the wider community.
The following winners were selected from each local government area (LGA):
- Mulgoa Preschool
Early Childhood Education Service of the Year for Penrith LGA
- Alasan Cottage Preschool
Early Childhood Education Service of the Year for Blue Mountains LGA
- Early Learning on George
Early Childhood Education Service of the Year for Hawkesbury LGA
The winners each receive a trophy and a $200 Bunnings voucher to help support the implementation of healthy eating and/or physical activity experiences at the Service.
Cassi Stewart, Health Promotion Officer with our District’s Health Promotion says, “These services are leading the way with providing healthy learning environments for children living within the region.”
“This lays the foundation for healthy habits, which will ultimately reduce chronic disease risk later in life.”
A number of services were also highly commended:
Blue Mountains LGA:
- Little Superstars Early Learning Centre
- Blue Gum Montessori Preschool
Hawkesbury LGA:
- Oakville Preschool
- Western Sydney University Early Learning Centre
Penrith LGA:
- Evergreen Early Education Centre
- Little Adventurers Early Learning Centre
“All entrants at this year’s awards are to be congratulated. The quality of submissions was extremely high,” says Cassi.
To find out more about Munch & Move, visit www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au or contact the NBMLHD Health Promotion Team via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/healthychildrensnetwork/
