PRESS RELEASE

Issued on behalf of the

Southern Investing for Health Partnership

19 October 2009

Local childminders learn the importance of physical activity among young children.

Childminders from across the Craigavon and Banbridge area have attended training sessions highlighting the importance of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for the under 5s.

The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ Initiative developed by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP) and to develop childminders’ knowledge and practical skills to encourage greater physical activity among young children.

Orlaith Moley, Project Manager with the Public Health Agency explains: “The foundations for a healthy life are heavily influenced by what happens in the first few years. This new initiative aims to encourage a range of healthy habits at a young age including the importance of physical play and movement.”

The training sessions were delivered by NICMA - the Childminding Association. Childminders attending the training sessions were given play resources emphasising the importance of participation and physical play and how to increase children’s activity while at home.

Michelle Grant, NICMA Childminding Development Officer added:

"NICMA were delighted to be involved with the delivery of the 'Healthy Steps for Life' Initiative. Training for childminders has a central role to play in promoting high standards and quality in family day care. The correct training benefits not only the childminder, but the children and parents as well. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic childminders are crucial to unlocking the educational potential of individual children. This training will increase their knowledge of the many learning opportunities that come through physical play."

Evelyn Ruddock, a local childminder from Lurgan commented: “The training was very entertaining. It is surprising what you learn, the resources were excellent and I got great ideas.”

Olive Magill from Banbridge said: “I found the training very informative and useful. The bag of play resources we were given is excellent. The children love playing the new activities and I also got to meet other childminders.”

Maria Gallagher from Portadown added: “The training was excellent and really entertaining. The play equipment is superb and the children absolutely love the new games and the bright colours, they thought Christmas had come early”.

“As long as it is dry, I’ll be out the back with the children playing and teaching them these new games. It was also a great opportunity to meet other childminders and get new ideas from them.”

Comments from other childminders who also attended the training sessions were very positive:

“There were lots of creative and fun ideas – I can’t wait to use them.”

“I really enjoyed the new games and I think the children will learn so much from the pack – I’m looking forward to trying it out.”

“I hope to introduce more fun play ideas using the new equipment.”

Orlaith concluded: “’Healthy Steps for Life’ is aimed at people who support pre-school children, including parents and carers, grandparents, parent and toddler groups, childminders, childcare providers, pre-school play groups and community groups.”

- Ends -

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Tel: 028 3741 4597

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Childminders from the Banbridge area who attended the physical activity training organised by the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ Initiative with (middle row, extreme left), Orlaith Moley, Project Manager, Public Health Agency.

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Childminders from the Lurgan area who attended the physical activity training organised by the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ Initiative with (back row, third from right), Orlaith Moley, Project Manager, Public Health Agency.

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Childminders from the Portadown area who attended the physical activity training organised by the ‘Healthy Steps for Life’ Initiative with (front row, extreme right), Orlaith Moley, Project Manager, Public Health Agency.