‘Toby the Nosy Cat’ • Research suggests that children as young as 5

are aware of cigarettes

• Requests from early years establishments for input with pre schools children

• Identified a gap in resources

• Incorporate local SFH&C Campaign

Early Intervention

• Address the principals of the Early Years

Framework

• Meet the Curriculum for Excellence

Health & Well Being Outcome

‘I understand there are things I should not touch or eat

and how to keep myself safe, and I am learning what is meant by medicines and harmful substances’

HWB 0-38a

Resource Development

• Reviewed existing primary school Fresh

Air-shire resources (stories)

• Researched other topic based resources/formats available (Oh Lila)

• Consulted local partners within

early years establishments

‘Toby the Curious Cat’ selected to develop further

Resource Development

• Approached early years establishments to pilot ‘Toby the Curious Cat’ story with pupils

• Gathered feedback via questionnaires and on site visits

• Constantly adapted and changed script in accordance with feedback

• Acknowledged practitioners

apprehension in discussing the

topic with early years pupils

Recommendations

Staff felt smokers

were being

stereotyped as being

grumpy and having

smelly houses.

Staff commented that they were

conscience that children were

discussing smoking after telling

the story and were worried if

this was a good thing?

The term ‘white sticks’

was not fully understood

by pupils. Staff suggested

using ‘cigarette’ as a

majority of children knew

what this was

Some staff

suggested it may

more suitable for

primary school age

The length of the text was

adapted by staff as it was felt to

be too long. Staff also

suggested that the word ‘nosy’

be used rather than ‘curious’

Final Resource

Toby the Nosy Cat Feedback The dangers of playing with

matches & lighters already tackled

therefore some staff had no issues

with addressing smoking and talking

about cigarettes

The children are aware of cigarettes

and have seen them being used so

therefore this is appropriate.

Toby the Nosy Cat Feedback

The children seemed aware that

smoking was not good. They

talked about mum and dad

smoking outside

Children were aware that smoking

was not good for your health and

knew that it made you ‘cough’

Toby the Nosy Cat Feedback

The children drew pictures after the

story was read out as an activity. It

was felt that this was a good way of

the children expressing what they

had learned.

When prompted by

staff where they felt

people should smoke

children suggested

outside

Toby the Nosy Cat Learning Resource Book

Dissemination • Official launch with partners

• Roll out ‘Reducing Children's Exposure to SHS’ training incorporating resource

• Encourage a whole school approach involving children, parents, carers and communities

Link with local SFH&C Campaign