Changes at Rutherford Preschool
- Created: Thursday, 15 October 2015 00:04
Rutherford Preschool is no stranger to healthy habits having just been awarded its third Pā-Harakeke Healthy Heart Award
Pā-Harakeke is the Heart Fundation's ‘gold standard’ award that acknowledges outstanding and inspiring work to improve the health of children and their family. We at the Heart Foundation are extremely proud of Rutherford Preschool and look forward to working with them for many years to come! Below is some information about their journey and how they went about it.
Why they became involved in the Healthy Heart Award
Rutherford Preschool’s long history of involvement with the Healthy Heart Award meant good healthy eating and physical activity systems were already well established. However, staff wanted to find new and innovative ways to make further improvements, while maintaining the good practices already in place.
The preschool kept noticing children who were coming in with unhealthy food, and wanted to do more to support these children and their whānau. Staff wanted to learn more about having effective conversations with parents, and how to be more comfortable talking about healthy eating and physical activity. To do this, staff decided they needed to learn more about healthy eating and physical activity themselves.
The challenges they faced
• Some parents were resistant to change
• Packaged foods were easy and convenient for parents, so it was challenging to keep the focus on healthy food
What they did
Changed their policies: Rutherford preschool reviewed its policies around healthy eating and physical activity, and gave parents the opportunity to share their thoughts.
Healthy food at special events: Staff now provide healthy food options at special events.
Alternative foods: When children run out of food, staff supply food from a stash kept at the preschool. They used to have chips and crackers, but now give children fruit and raisins.
Lunchbox guidelines for parents: Policies were introduced to indicate which foods were discouraged from children’s lunches, including lollies and chips.
Water cooler installed: Children are able to have cold, fresh water whenever they want. Children used to bring fizzy drinks and juice boxes but now happily drink water instead.
Reminders for parents: Staff send a note to parents when the lunchbox guidelines aren’t met, and give them information about healthy alternatives.
Engaged parents: The staff have tried many different approaches to get parents involved, including Facebook messages and shared afternoon teas. Staff had some success with this and want to continue their efforts.
Resources for parents: Staff put up displays about healthy eating for parents, including information about sugar content in foods. Some parents were surprised by how much sugar is in foods their children were eating.
The changes that happened
• Lunchboxes have become healthier over time
• Taking an innovative approach to communicating with whānau about healthy food has had an impact
• Whānau have noticed the difference
• Courses on fundamental movement skills have given staff more confidence about physical activity