During the Early Years’ Foundation Stage, a child’s first experiences with oral health can impact on the rest of their life. That’s why it’s so important to teach them about their mouth and introduce them to good habits as soon as possible. It is equally vital to continue to ‘normalise’ dental visits and put them at ease with the role of a dentist as a person they can trust. We regularly share stories in school about visiting the dentist. All children have a toothbrush and toothpaste in school and are taught how to carefully brush their teeth.

During Key Stage One (ages 5-7), children learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of their communities. They are building on their own experiences and on the Early Learning Goals for Personal, Social and Emotional development.

They learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well.

Oral health is an important area for Key Stage One children, both within science teaching, and Personal, Health & Social Education (PHSE).

Children aged 5-7 should know:

● How to make simple choices that improve their health and well-being.

● To maintain personal hygiene.

● That taking exercise and eating the right type of foods help to keep healthy.

During Key Stage Two, children learn about themselves as growing and changing individuals with their own experiences and ideas, and as members of their communities.

They become more mature, independent and self-confident and learn about the wider world and the interdependence of communities within it. They learn how to make more informed choices about their health and environment.

Messages about nutrition, along with more complex science are part of Key Stage Two learning for children.

Children aged 7-11 should know:

● About the functions and care of teeth.

● About the need for food for activity and growth, and about the importance of an adequate and varied diet for health.

● What makes a healthy lifestyle, including the benefits of exercise and healthy eating, what affects mental health, and how to make informed choices.