Health and Wellbeing

🌿 Wellbeing & Mental Health at Pennywell Early Years Centre 🌿

At Pennywell Early Years Centre, the emotional wellbeing and mental health of our children and families is at the heart of everything we do. We know that a happy child is a thriving learner, and we are committed to nurturing each child’s emotional development, resilience, and sense of self.

💜 A Core Value: We Prioritise Wellbeing

‘We want our children to feel safe, secure and happy in body, mind and spirit. Wellbeing is placed at the heart of everything we do. We place importance on developing children holistically and work hard to equip children with the tools they need to manage their emotions and deal with challenges. Through nurturing and understanding relationships, we support children to begin to express their emotions, self-regulate and form positive relationships.’

This value runs through every part of our day, from quiet moments of reflection to joyful group play. We create a warm, caring environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

🧸 Supporting Children’s Wellbeing

We foster wellbeing through:

  • 🧘 Calm corners and mindfulness moments
  • 🌱 Outdoor play and connection with nature
  • 🎨 Creative expression through art, music, and storytelling
  • 🤗 Gentle guidance to help children understand and manage their emotions

We also work closely with parents to provide consistent support across home and school life.

📜 Wellbeing Award

We are proud to hold the Gold Charter Mark for Wellbeing, awarded by Sunderland’s Mental Health Charter Mark programme. This recognition reflects our strong commitment to promoting and supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all our children, staff, and families. We work hard to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Useful Resources for Children:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting Families’ Mental Health

We also recognise that parents and carers need support too. Parenting can be rewarding and joyful, but also overwhelming at times. We’re here for you.

Below are trusted organisations and resources you can turn to for guidance, support and wellbeing tools:

🧠 For Mental Health & Emotional Support

  • Mind – Mental health charity offering advice and support for all ages.
  • YoungMinds – Mental health support specifically for children and young people, with a fantastic Parents’ Helpline.
  • Place2Be – Mental health charity focusing on children’s emotional wellbeing in schools.
  • Anna Freud Centre – Great tips and videos for managing family wellbeing and building resilience.
  • Every Mind Matters (NHS) – Advice on children’s mental wellbeing and tools to support your own.

💬 Local Support & Help

💌 Let’s Talk

We encourage all our families to reach out if you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing—or your own. Whether it’s a chat at drop-off, a private appointment, or simply a message, we’re always here to listen and help.

We are proud to be a place where wellbeing is woven into the fabric of everything we do.

💬 “It’s not just about preparing children for school, it’s about helping them feel strong, loved, and safe in who they are.”

🌈 Our Commitment

At Pennywell, we believe that by prioritising wellbeing, we are giving children the strongest foundation for a happy, confident, and successful future. Whether it’s a gentle hand to hold or a moment to breathe, every interaction matters — and every child’s heart and mind is cherished.

If you’d like to talk to us about your child’s wellbeing or access support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help your little one shine.

🦷 Looking After Little Teeth – Dental Hygiene Matters!

At Pennywell Early Years Centre, we know how important a happy, healthy smile is for our children – and that good dental hygiene starts early. Helping children care for their teeth builds confidence, supports their overall health, and even boosts their speech development and eating habits. Just like learning to wash hands or tidy up, looking after teeth becomes part of everyday routines!

Why Dental Health Matters in the Early Years

Baby teeth are important! They help children to:

  • Eat and chew properly
  • Speak clearly
  • Smile with confidence
  • Set up good habits for life

Tooth decay in young children can lead to pain, infections and time off nursery. Sadly, it’s one of the most common health problems in under-5s – but it’s almost entirely preventable.

🪥 Practical Tips for Healthy Little Smiles

Here are a few simple ways you can support your child’s dental health every day:

✅ Brush twice a day – once before bed and once in the morning using a small smear of fluoride toothpaste
✅ Use a soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for your child’s age
✅ Supervise brushing – even older children may need help reaching every tooth
✅ Choose healthy snacks and drinks – limit sugary foods and avoid juice or fizzy drinks
✅ Make brushing fun! Try songs, sticker charts, or brushing apps to get them excited
✅ Get regular check-ups – the dentist is free for all children under 18

🦷 Finding a Dentist in SR4

If your child doesn’t have a dentist yet – don’t worry! There are local practices in the SR4 area who are accepting NHS patients. We’ve listed a few below to help get you started:

📍 Pallion Family Dental Practice – SR4 6RS
📞 0191 567 2377

📍 Grindon Lane Dental Surgery – SR4 8HP
📞 0191 534 6555

📍 Hylton Dental Surgery – SR4 7AB
📞 0191 510 1281

You can also find an NHS dentist via:
🔗 www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

💬 Need Support?

If you have any questions about your child’s dental care or need help registering with a dentist, please speak to a member of the team. We’re always happy to support you – it’s part of our commitment to wellbeing, belonging and care 💚

Together, we can build healthy routines and bright smiles that last a lifetime!