October 2026 Events
October: Black History Month
Black History Month aims to raise…
Black History Month aims to raise…
September 2026 Events
September: National Organic Month
This is a celebration of…
This is a celebration of…
Startwell’s Powering Healthy Settings Event
In June, the Startwell team delivered three face-to-face Powering…
Healthy Celebrations to End the Term
As the end of term approaches, celebrations and graduations are…
Spotlight on Tea Time
Meeting the Latetst DfE EYFS Nutrition Guidance
The updated…
The updated…
Bring the Stadium to Your Setting
Host Your Own Early Years Athletics Week!
The European Athletics…
The European Athletics…
The 6 Week Summer Challenge
Startwell have created a fun 6 week summer challenge which has…
August 2026 Events
1st - 7th August: World Breastfeeding Week
NHS guidelines…
NHS guidelines…
July 2026 Events
July: National Picnic Month
National Picnic Month was formed…
National Picnic Month was formed…
Safer Eating in Early Years Settings – Part 2
Following on from our March Safer Eating blog post, where we…
Celebrating 50 Years of National Smile Month
This year marks a major milestone for National Smile Month 2026,…
Startwell Spotlight on Breakfast
Breakfast, which literally translates as ‘breaking the fast’,…
June 2026 Events
1st June: World Milk Day
World Milk Day is celebrated to raise…
World Milk Day is celebrated to raise…
May 2026 Events
May: National Walking Month
The campaign theme for National…
The campaign theme for National…
Ultra Processed Foods in Early Years settings
In recent years, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrially…
International Dance Day – 29th April
International Dance Day is a great opportunity to explore the…
Food Growing March 2026
Although spring can still feel a little way off, the clocks going…
Easter Activities with Sammy Skills and the Startwell Characters
Easter is celebrated by Christians to honour the resurrection…
Safer Eating in Early Years Settings Part 1
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets clear safeguarding…
April 2026 Events
5th April: Easter
The Easter bunny has arrived – why not…
The Easter bunny has arrived – why not…
March 2026 Events
1st March: St David's Day
St David is the patron Saint of…
St David is the patron Saint of…
Physical Activity Research in Early Years
Research on physical activity within the early years age group…
Spotlight on Sardine Pate Recipe
The new Department for Education Early Years Foundation Stage…
Love Your Heart
Startwell Birmingham is an NHS approved programme based around…
Release of National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) Data for School Year 2024-25
The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) data for…
February 2026 Events
2nd February - 8th February: National Storytelling Week
National…
National…
January 2026 Events
18th January: Winnie the Pooh Day
This is a yearly event but…
This is a yearly event but…
Startwell Staff Changes
The Startwell team have seen a few staff changes over the last…
Obesity Data at Ward Level 2023/24
Following on from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)…
Food Allergy in Early Years Settings
Latest figures for the UK show 4% of children under 5 years of…
12 Days of Christmas Startwell Challenge
We have created a ’12 Days of Christmas Startwell Challenge’…
December 2025 Events
3rd December: International Day of People with Disabilities
This…
This…
November 2025 Events
November: Veg Pledge/World Vegan Day
Throughout the month…
Throughout the month…
Exploring Active Environments
Early years settings are key and play a crucial role in facilitating…
New Packed Lunch Research: Healthier Packed Lunches Cost Less!
As we start a new academic year, many children will be bringing…
Handling Flour and Flour Products Safely
In August 2024 the Food Standards Agency produced guidance on…
Spotlight on Soup
As we move into autumn and the weather turns cooler, there is…
Free Healthy Start Vitamins for Your Families
Did you know early years settings like nurseries can order and…
Department for Education Guidelines on Nutrition for Early Years Settings
Hopefully all settings are now aware that the Department for…
October 2025 Events
1st October: World Vegetarian Day
World Vegetarian Day starts…
World Vegetarian Day starts…
September Events 2025
September: National Organic Month
This is a celebration of…
This is a celebration of…
August 2025 Events
1st - 7th August: World Breastfeeding Week
The NHS Breastfeeding…
The NHS Breastfeeding…
July 2025 Events
29th June - 7th July: Children's Art Week
Taking part in creative…
Taking part in creative…
Department of Education Nutrition Guidelines for Early Years Settings
On the 17th April 2025 the Department of Education released guidelines…
Spotlight Recipe May 2025: Hummus
Food preparation is a fun activity and provides so many learning…
Park the Pushchair and Get Walking
Most pushchairs do not come with an age limit or guidance about…
BeeZee Families
Beezee Families is a 12-week programme for children and young…
Sugar Content in Flavoured Yoghurts
Flavoured yoghurts are generally perceived as healthy but often…
June 2025 Events
1st - 3rd June: Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish festival celebrated…
Shavuot is a Jewish festival celebrated…
May 2025 Events
1st - 31st May: National Walking Month
The campaign is encouraging…
The campaign is encouraging…
Social Media Newsflash: Highlights from Jan and Feb 2025
Here is the key information that we have shared over social media…
National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England: Oral Health Survey of 5 Year Olds
The results of the seventh National Dental Epidemiology Programme…
National Smile Month 2025
National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running…
Food Growing for March 2025
Spring may still seem like a while away but as the clocks go…
How Much Screen Time is Enough?
The World Health Organisation recommends that children up to…
Can Children Play Outdoors in All Weathers?
It is important for children to have the opportunity to explore…
Spotlight Recipe: Spinach Cornmeal Bread
The Startwell recipes are designed to be healthy, simple in method…
Outside and Colds in Cold Weather
Children do not catch a cold from ebing outside in the cold...…
Easter Hunt with Sammy Skills
This Easter rather than setting up a traditional Easter Egg Hunt…
April 2025 Events
7th April: World Health Day
This year the World Health Organisation…
This year the World Health Organisation…
March 2025 Events
1st March: St David's Day
St David is the patron Saint of Wales,…
St David is the patron Saint of Wales,…
Active Stories
1st February – 9th February is National Story Telling Week
National…
National…
Social Media Newsflash from November-December 2024
Here is the key information that we have shared over social media…
Latest Childhood Obesity Data: Release of NCMP 2023-2024 Academic Year
The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) data for…
Love Your Heart
Startwell Birmingham is an NHS approved programme based around…
February 2025 Events
2nd February 2025 - National Hedgehog Day
It is a day to remember…
It is a day to remember…
January 2025 Events
18th January 2025– Winnie the Pooh Day
This is a yearly…
This is a yearly…
Case Studies
This month we are excited to showcase 3 Startwell settings. Two…
Social Media Newsflash from October-November 2024
Here is the key information that we have shared over social media…
12 Days of Christmas Challenge!
We have created a ’12 Days of Christmas Startwell Challenge’…
November 2024 Events
5th November: Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) Night
Remember, Remember…
Remember, Remember…
Social Media Newsflash from July-August
Here is the key information that we have shared over social media…
Startwell Healthy Packed Lunch Tools and Resources
The quality of packed lunches brought into settings can vary…
Obesity Data at Ward Level
Following on from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)…
All About Me
As you welcome new children into your setting, why not use your…
Why Are Fundamental Movement Skills so Important
Fundamental movement skills are the foundations of movement and…
Social Media Newsflash from May-June
Startwell have introduced a NEW feature to the newsletter to…
6 Week Summer Challenge
Startwell have created a fun 6 week summer challenge linked to…
Change to the Age Children Can Drink Semi-Skimmed Milk
Following a recent report from the Scientific Advisory Committee…
The Gruffalo Story
Did you know it’s been 25 years since the Gruffalo was first…
Ice Lollies and Oral Health
Did you know ice lollies are not recommended for young children? …
National Walking Month
Did you know that May is National Walking Month?
This is a…
This is a…
Plant, Grow and Eat!
As we welcome Spring, more sunshine and longer days, we also…
Developing Ball Skills with Sammy Skills
Sammy Skills promotes the importance of Fundamental Movement…
Spotlight Recipe New Children’s Recipe: Fruit Salad Sundaes
This month we put the spotlight on Fruit Salad Sundaes. Here…
Are You Using Your Local Parks
This month sees National Parks Week from 20th-28th April and…
Allergy Awareness Week 22nd-28th April 2024
Allergy Awareness Week takes place from 22nd-28th April 2024. …
Are You Dancing Enough in Your Setting
On the 29th April it is National Dance Day; Dancing develops…
Celebrating World Maths Day in Your Setting
World Maths Day on the 23rd March is the perfect opportunity…
Nutrition and Hydration Week 2024
It’s Nutrition and Hydration Week 11-17th March.
Did you…
Did you…
District Level Obesity Data March 2024
In January’s newsletter we shared the recent Governments National…
April 2024 Events
1st April - 1st May: National Pet Month
This is a great opportunity…
This is a great opportunity…
Love Your Heart with 180 Katie
This February we want you to get your heart going 'Boom, Boom,…
Spotlight Recipe: Banana Smoothie
New Children’s Recipe - Banana Smoothie
This month we put…
This month we put…
EYFS, Data and FMS Updates
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is…
Latest National Child Measurement Programme Data
On 19th October 2023 the latest report from the Government’s…
Outdoor Classroom Day
Are You Spending Enough Time Outside
We are all aware that time…
We are all aware that time…
Healthy Start Update September 2023
What is Healthy Start?
Healthy Start, also known as “get…
Healthy Start, also known as “get…
Benefits of Physical Activity in Pregnancy
There is more and more research to support that being physically…
Resources for Healthy Eating
Healthy eating guidelines in the UK are represented by The Eatwell…
Ultra Processed Foods
There has been huge media interest in ultra processed foods (UPF),…
Sutton Outdoor Pre-School Case Study
Sutton Outdoor Preschool is Birmingham’s first fully outdoor…
6 Week Summer Challenge
Startwell have created a fun 6 week summer challenge which has…
Spotlight Recipes June 2023
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Spotlight Recipes May 2023
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
British Sandwich Week
British Sandwich Week is celebrated each year during the third…
National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England: Oral Health Survey of 5 Year Olds
The results of the sixth National Dental Epidemiology Programme…
Spotlight Recipes April 2023
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Spotlight Recipes March 2023
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Sleep Blog
Hopefully you saw in our events calendar that 1st – 31st March…
Spotlight Recipe: Tortilla Wraps
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Containers
Here at Startwell when we talk about containers, we are referring…
Pancake Toppings
Pancake day also known as Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday 21st…
Love Your Heart
This February, we want you to get your heart going 'Boom, Boom,…
Spotlight Recipes January 2023
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Child Obesity Figures November 2022
On 3rd November 2022 the latest report from the Government’s…
Spotlight Recipes November 2022
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Kicking Skills in the Early Years
Is football fever coming to your setting? The World Cup starts…
Spotlight Recipes October 2022
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Is Your Setting Due for Renewal?
All our Startwell Award settings that complete are given a certificate…
Coventry University Startwell Evaluation
Last year we commissioned Coventry University to carry out a…
Cost of Living: Tips for Budgeting for Nursery Menus
The UK is in a cost-of-living crisis. As well as the increase…
Hidden Sugars in Breakfast Cereals and Cereal Bars
Breakfast is important to kick start the day. It enables children…
Ditch The Buggy
Most pushchairs do not come with an age limit or give expectations…
Weaning: The Battle Against Baby Food Products
Weaning, also known as complementary feeding, is the gradual…
Case Study on Sharing Practice by Edgbaston Nursery School
Edgbaston Nursery School completed their Startwell Award in early…
Startwell Menu Updates June 2022
In Spring 2020 we updated you on the changes to the Startwell…
Startwell Social Media Spotlight May 2022
Here are a few of our favourite recent shares of your Startwell…
Spotlight Recipes May 2022
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Exploring Outdoors and on Your Bike!
Physical Activity is an important part of our life and plays…
Physical Focus on Crossing the Midline
This month we have decided to put together some activity ideas…
Spotlight Recipes April 2022
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Breakfast
Breakfast, which literally translates as ‘breaking the fast’,…
Sleep
March is National Bed Month and there is increasing evidence…
Spotlight Recipes March 2022
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Physical Activity Levels From The Office for Health and Improvements
The Office for Health and Improvements has released an updated…
Fussy Eating Resources from the Paediatric Dietitians
We wanted to share a new video that our colleagues from the Paediatric…
Spotlight Recipes February 2022
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Obesity Figures Have Risen in Reception Children
On 16th November 2021 the latest report was published from the…
Growing Up in the COVID-19 Pandemic
An Evidence Review of the Impact of Pandemic Life on Physical…
Outdoor Play in All Weathers (Winter)
In November’s newsletter we wrote a piece on the importance…
Healthy Start Updates January 2022
Following on from the Healthy Start article in the October 2021…
Spotlight Recipes January 2022
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
Food Safety and Choking
Tragically, a child dies in the UK every month from choking and…
Outdoor Play in All Weathers
It is definitely starting to get a little cooler now, but don’t…
Startwell Celebration Foods
Food is an integral part of the way we celebrate and there are…
Spotlight Recipes November 2021
How to Use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
The Healthy Start Scheme is Changing
What is Healthy Start?
Healthy Start provides vouchers/payments…
Healthy Start provides vouchers/payments…
Are You Following our Facebook Page?
We have worked really hard over the past year on improving our…
Spotlight Recipes October 2021
How to use the Startwell Characters in Startwell Recipes
The…
The…
EYFS Update and Startwell Links
September is always a busy month in our settings as you are introducing…
Why do we have such an emphasis on the use of characters in the Startwell programme?
Many of us are acutely aware of the increasing rates of childhood…
Research and Evidence Behind the Startwell Menu Guidelines
Startwell is an NHS programme led by national guidelines and…
Linking Your Startwell Activities to the Startwell Characters and Messages
Following on from the January newsletter article on using Tapestry…
Getting Outdoors and the EYFS
One of the positives that have come out of the pandemic is the…
Sports Day Fun With Startwell
Sports Day is the perfect opportunity to link in our Startwell…
Dental Decay in Children in Birmingham: Latest Statistics
The Startwell Team are pleased to hear that Oral Health will…
Startwell Summer Challenges for Home!
Here are some activities that you can try at home if you need…
Evidencing Your Startwell Award Virtually Using Tapestry
As you will be aware, we are currently supporting settings who…
Are You Keeping up to Date with our Social Media Pages?
We now have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Youtube,…
Physical and Foods Skills Sheet
Physical Skills Sheet
We are delighted to announce that we…
We are delighted to announce that we…
Lockdown Challenges
This lockdown you may be finding that more of your families are…
June Home Activities
It's Heart Awareness Week
It's heart awareness week. Do your…
It's heart awareness week. Do your…
May Home Challenges
It's Sun Awareness Week
Get a piece of card/paper and some…
Get a piece of card/paper and some…
Easter Challenges
Complete an Easter Bunny Obstacle Course
Number some paper…
Number some paper…
Do You Have Limited Indoor Space for Physical Activity?
On the surface, having limited indoor space can sometimes look…
Startwell Characters and Meals and Snacktimes
Mealtimes are an important and valuable part of the day. Not…
Easter Celebrations
With Easter approaching many settings will be thinking about…
Budgeting Tips for Healthy Eating
Healthy eating doesn't always have to be expensive. Eating well…
Partners
Facebook Posts
This is the sixth and final week of our 6 week Startwell summer holiday challenge. Enjoy running and rolling with Sammy Skills and have a go at making lunch with Fay 5 a day. We hope that you have enjoyed all of the activities over the last 6 weeks and have had a great summer. startwellbirmingham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6-Week-Summer-Challenge-Poster.pdf
Thanks to those who came along to our Startwell Characters and Messages Training on the 19th August. Take a look at some of the feedback from this training!![]()
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Our training is free and available to early years practitioners within Birmingham. To see what training we have available: startwellbirmingham.co.uk/training-dates/