A DUNDEE NURSERY is the first in Scotland to achieve new Scottish Executive health standards.

Menzieshill Nursery School received the award yesterday after becoming the first to successfully follow guidelines set by the Health Promoting Schools project.

The scheme is an Executive-led initiative which aims to encourage nurseries and schools to promote the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of staff and pupils.

City council education convener Tom Ferguson and social work and health convener Helen Wright visited the nursery yesterday to present it with the gold award in recognition of the achievements.

“Everyone involved in this gold award deserves congratulations for all the efforts that have been put in,” Mr Ferguson said.

“This shows how strong partnerships can bring about a fantastic achievements such as this.”

Among the projects implemented as part of the scheme were fruit tasting and healthy snacks provided for parents and children, dental hygiene sessions, extra sport activities and outdoor walking.

The nursery’s garden was also extended to make an open-air classroom which doubles as a bird garden.

A series of Mini Movers dance sessions was organised to improve physical activity, and a video of all the activities was made for the benefit of parents.