Pennywell Early Years Centre recognised for giving children a healthy start

The Sunderland Healthy School Award has been developed by a local multi-agency group of health, education, and social care professionals to support Sunderland schools and educational settings to establish a positive, healthy school environment.

The award recognizes the dedication of education settings within the city to the health and wellbeing of their pupils, staff, and local communities.

Pennywell Early Years Centre is the first setting to achieve the charter mark, one of the five elements of the Sunderland Healthy Schools Award.

The early years centre was recognised for its commitment to children's health, focusing on good nutrition.

When the centre was assessed, it was found to be promoting food and nutrition as part of everyday activities, have designated spaces for information and activities, and involve families through regular activities throughout the year.

The assessment found that the children were engaged and the staff had a passion and understanding of the importance of wellbeing.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, a Cabinet Member and Healthy City Portfolio holder at Sunderland City Council, said: "A positive, healthy school environment enables pupils and staff to enjoy coming to school and healthy eating and nutrition contribute to children and young people maximizing their potential at school.

"Pennywell Early Years Centre has demonstrated commitment to healthy eating, not just for its pupils but for its staff and families. I would like to congratulate the setting on being the first in the city to achieve this Charter Mark."