Little Learners Day Nursery now has a certified "Wellbeing Champion" focused on physical activity and nutrition after a team member secured a prestigious qualification.
Michaela Mulholland, early years practitioner, has received the NCFE CACHE Level 4 Award: Promoting Health and Wellbeing through Physical Activity and Nutrition Co-ordination (PANCo) in the Early Years.
The certification is the only internationally recognised qualification that gives full PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) status, enabling Michaela to practise as a Wellbeing Champion at the nursery.
The PANCo qualification equips Early Years educators with a robust knowledge base about healthy eating and physical activity for children. It is designed as a wellbeing-in-action intervention that promotes positive nutrition and physical activity to support the prevention of obesity within Early Years settings.
The qualification, run by PurpleBee Learning, means Little Learner's Day Nursery also receives the Start Life Well Gold Award.
The nursery, which offers a top-quality provision to young children, whatever their cultural, ethnic, religious or social backgrounds, and with or without additional needs, is part of Doncaster Deaf Trust.
The Trust also runs a specialist college, school and care home to provide care for Deaf and hard of hearing people and those with communication difficulties at all stages in life.
Michaela said: "I'm thrilled to receive the PANCo qualification and will use it to support the health and wellbeing of children, families and our team here at Little Learner's Day Nursery.
"It's so important to develop good habits in physical activity and nutrition in the early years and I'm looking forward to championing wellbeing and positive, sustainable change across the nursery."
Natalie Firth, Early Years Manager – Little Learner's Day Nursery, said: "We are so proud of Michaela for securing this important qualification.
"The professional development of staff is a key focus for us and we actively encourage team members to complete training courses and qualifications that enhance their skills and our provision."