Several Slough children’s centres have been presented with health and wellbeing awards after council introduced a new scheme.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in obesity, physical inactivity, dental decay and emotional and mental instability in under 5s. To combat this, many early years settings in the borough have signed up to the early year’s health and wellbeing accreditation run by Slough Borough Council.

The scheme has four levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and centres will be provided with support throughout.

Four children’s centres: Penn Road, Monksfield Way, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close achieved the highest Platinum level.

The centres were presented their plaques by SBC lead member for Children’s Services, Lifelong Learning and Skills Christine Hulme.

Councillor Hulme said: “I am extremely proud to be here today presenting these awards to four of our children’s centres and one of our childminders here in Slough. We have fantastic early years settings throughout the borough, and the dedication of everyone who works in the sector always shines through especially on days like today.”

Marie-Claire Avis, Children’s Centre and Family Hubs Interim Group Manager, discusses the success: “The Platinum Award was achieved through the hard work and dedication of all the staff, who continually aspire to ensure high standards and key messages for the health and wellbeing of the children and families accessing our children’s centres and across Slough”.

Kathy Szpur, a local childminder of 23 years was also presented with the Silver Award. She said: “Working through the different areas of the accreditation has enabled us as a setting to add routines which our families and their children can use in the setting, and at home, which promotes health and wellbeing. Parents and children are very engaged.

“We’re also on our third round of certificates for a healthy lifestyle certification where the children get stickers for going to see a dentist, going for a family walk or trying new fruit or vegetables.”