Cumbernauld nursery kids are first in Scotland to get brain health lessons

New College Lanarkshire today launched Building Bright Minds, Scotland’s first brain health education module for Nursery staff.

Using the new learning tool, children at NCL’s Cumbernauld Campus Nursery are the first in Scotland to be taught how to look after the wellbeing and protection of their brains.

The college developed the module after being inspired by its partnership with Brain Health Scotland, the prevention arm of Alzheimer Scotland.

Building Bright Minds equips nursery teachers to give children the tools and habits to protect and optimise their brains throughout their lives.

Research suggests up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by tackling modifiable risk factors across a lifetime and the earlier those healthy habits begin, the better.

Lynn Orr, Head of New College Lanarkshire’s department for Health and Social Care, said: “The first five years of life are among the most important periods for brain development. During these early years, children’s brains are developing at an incredible rate, influenced by their relationships, experiences and environment.

“This unit is designed for nursery teachers and others working with early years children. Its purpose is to take what we know about neuroscience, child development and brain health and turn it into something practical that can be used every day with young children. We want to raise health literacy within our local communities and beyond.”

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal of New College Lanarkshire, said: “This is a hugely important development, not just for the college, but also for the people of Lanarkshire. Since we established the Brain Health Scotland Centre for Health and Social Care, we have been determined to show education can play a real part in protecting brain health.

“Building Bright Minds takes that work to the very start of life. In North Lanarkshire, where healthy life expectancy is just 52 years, the habits our children build today matter enormously. It is so inspiring to note how warmly the children, staff and parents at our Cumbernauld nursery have embraced the programme, and I am humbled to see our youngest learners leading the way for the whole of the country.”

The module covers 14 areas of brain health, from physical activity, sleep and healthy eating to hearing, vision, heart health and clean air. Each one is turned into play. Children dance and balance in Move Your Brain, sort fruit and vegetables by colour in the Rainbow Food Adventure, put Sleepy Bear’s bedtime routine in order, and hunt for sounds around the nursery as Listening Detectives.

Individuals or organisations who are interested in the Building Bright Minds module should email strategyoffice@nclan.ac.uk.