Early years settings in Ampthill and Totternhoe are first to achieve new wellbeing accreditation
Tuesday, 15 August 2023
We have developed a new accreditation for early years settings which focusses on mental health and wellbeing.
Ladybird Forest Pre-School in Ampthill and Totternhoe CE Academy Preschool are the first settings to achieve our brand-new Healthy Child – Healthy Workforce quality standard accreditation. It evidences each setting's commitment to the emotional and mental health of its early years children and workforce, and to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
The accreditation is part of our pre-school emotional health and wellbeing programme, funded by Public Health. To become accredited, settings complete a self-assessment and must demonstrate how they meet the eight standards we've developed. Once they submit their portfolio, our learning and development team ensures the setting has met the standards required.
Amanda, the manager from Ladybird Forest Pre-School, said:
We are always looking to improve and support children’s learning, and committing to the Healthy Child – Healthy Workforce standards has highlighted what we are doing well and what we could do better to develop the children’s awareness of being healthy.
Rebecca from Totternhoe CE Academy Preschool said:
Our focus on improving children's health and well-being has always been a top priority, but the Covid-19 pandemic made it even more crucial. We take pride in providing a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children and it is fantastic for this to be recognised.
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
Helping children to develop emotional resilience, good social skills and supporting positive mental health in the future is crucial. The Healthy Child – Healthy Workforce accreditation demonstrates the commitment of both the Council and early years settings to support positive mental health in children and help them thrive. Both Ladybird Forest School in Ampthill and Totternhoe CE Academy Preschool should be extremely proud of this achievement.
Councillor Rebecca Hares, our Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison said:
This accreditation shows that Ladybird Forest School and Totternhoe CE Academy understand significance of focussing on the whole child and supporting them in all areas; not just their academic and physical development. Their work is a fantastic example to other settings in Central Bedfordshire, many of whom are also working towards this accreditation.
The accreditation is part of our pre-school emotional health and wellbeing programme, commissioned by Public Health.
The programme also includes the Parenting Puzzle programme and the Five to Thrive programme. The Parenting Puzzle runs from our children’s centres and aims to support good mental health in children by supporting build strategies to reduce the stress of parenting. Five to Thrive helps participants understand how positive relationships are fundamental to the wellbeing of children and young people.