Milton Keynes nursery launches national '˜happiness' campaign with Olympic badminton star

Olympic silver medallist and campaigning mother Gail Emms is helping National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) to launch this year's Healthy Body, Happy Me campaign.

Nursery children will be learning all about the senses, from Smelly Monday, March 27, to Feeling Friday, March 31.

Youngsters at Head Start Nursery in Milton Keynes Village where Gail’s son Ollie attends joined in some of the activities for the 2017 campaign which encourages children to take an interest in health and the world around them.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “We are very excited about this year’s campaign which many of our members have already signed up to.

“It’s becoming more important each year for children to understand how to be healthy and happy in mind and body.

“But for 2017, we have a special sensory theme, and our activities – developed by early years experts – will encourage the children to explore a different sense on each day of the week.

“Expect lots of fun and outdoor play, with a real purpose as the children investigate what each sense is for.”

Activity guides for each day of Healthy Body, Happy Me which runs from Mach 27 until March 31 are available for anyone to download free of charge from NDNA’s website at www.ndna.org.uk/healthy

Nurseries can also download a poster and certificate for the week.

Badminton star Gail, who is now an ambassador for Youth Sport Trust promoting achievement through sport participation, said: “It was great to join in the nursery activities and find out more about the senses.

“Part of my role is to encourage children to fulfil their goals through activity and sport so any campaign which encourages them to think about their bodies and physical literacy is an excellent way to spend time.”

Nurseries taking part in Healthy Body, Happy Me are asked to post their photos and comments about the campaign on twitter and facebook – using #healthybodyhappyme