Active fun for Highland three-year-olds

Issued by NHS Highland and The Highland Council

Families of Highland three-year-olds will now be offered tips for active games to play to help keep their children happy and healthy.

The ideas for over fifty activities plus songs and rhymes come in the latest play @ home booklet, designed for the 3-5 year stage.  Parents will be offered the book when their child starts pre-school education sessions after their 3rd birthday.

Julia Nelson, Early Years Health Development Officer with NHS Highland and The Highland Council said: “We hope these fun games will encourage families to play together.  The ideas are not new, but having them all together is like having a recipe book for play.

“It’s easy to use and great for when you’re searching for something to entertain young children –and ideal for parties!  While the games seem simple, they are invaluable in helping children to enjoy being active and to develop their co-ordination, balance, strength and social skills as well.”

The latest book follows on from the Baby and Toddler play @ home books, which Highland parents have received since 2002.  The programme is funded by NHS Highland and The Highland Council and forms part of a wider strategy to support families.

Sally Amor, NHS Highland’s Child Health Commissioner, said: “We know the early years are crucial in determining children’s development and we want to assist parents in the demanding role of bringing up their families.”

Other initiatives include training for staff to run parenting programmes, appointing community early years workers to work alongside Health Visitors and social work services and supporting befriending services.  In common with the rest of the UK, forthcoming changes to the child health system in Highland will mean that more time will be devoted to those families who most need help.

Editor’s Note
For more information:

Julia Nelson,  Health Development Officer – Early Years
NHS Highland/Highland Council
Childcare & Early Education Service
Old School, Clachnaharry, Inverness IV3 8RB

Tel. 01463 711176 Fax.  01463 714764
email@  julia.nelson@highland.gov.uk