RECEPTION pupils from Hollingworth Primary School are all smiles, after being crowned winners of a borough-wide competition for National Smile Month.
Organised by Tameside Council’s Public Health team, the contest invited children aged 5–7 to create bright and eye-catching posters showing how they keep their teeth healthy.
Judges were impressed by the youngsters’ creativity and clear oral health messages, awarding the Reception class top prize.
The school will now receive an oral health goody bag packed with resources to support dental hygiene – including books, a giant teeth model and toothbrush, a demonstration puppet, and materials to help families promote healthy habits at home.
National Smile Month – which ran from May 12 to June 12 – promotes key messages for better oral health, such as brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting the dentist regularly.
The council says local data in Tameside shows that over a quarter of children have tooth decay in their baby teeth – higher than the national average.
Councillor Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the Reception pupils at Hollingworth Primary – their posters are not only creative, but they also carry such an important message about looking after our smiles.
“Oral health is a vital part of a child’s overall wellbeing, and it’s heartening to see young children leading the way in spreading that message. I hope their work inspires families across Tameside to build strong, healthy habits together – because every child deserves to grow up with a happy, healthy smile.”
More advice surrounding oral health is available on the council’s website at https://www.tameside.gov.uk/health/oralhealth