Children, staff and parents at a Hillside childcare centre are on a health kick.
Guardian Childcare and Early Learning Centre is focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, including the launch last week of a herb garden and outdoor area, with an Out and About exercise program also recently introduced.
The herb garden was planted by the children, who will also maintain it.
Centre manager Bernadette Burns said that the program was born out of the children’s natural curiosity.
“The program came about when some of the four-year-old children went for a health check-up and, being inquisitive four-year-olds, they began to wonder about how each person is different in height, shape and weight,”
Ms Burns said. “We decided to look at our own health as staff members as well, which became the driver behind our Out and About program.”
Regular pram walks with the children and a sports program have been included in the centre’s weekly curriculum.
“In addition to the Out and About program, we’ve incorporated eating healthy food – starting with planting herbs in the garden to be used in lunches and taken home,” Ms Burns said.
“It’s about giving children an understanding that they do have control over their bodies and what they consume, so they are capable and confident in making those decisions throughout their lives.”
