Startwell Birmingham
Startwell Birmingham is a programme by Birmingham City Council in coordination with NHS England to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles to create a healthier environment for our children.
Meet some of the characters below, along with links under each character to expand further information:
Suzy Startwell
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Children learn by copying the behaviours of the adults around them, making it important for parents, carers, and practitioners to model positive habits. Research shows that adults who lead active lifestyles encourage children to enjoy physical activity too. Positive attitudes towards healthy eating are equally important, as negative comments about foods can influence children’s opinions and make it difficult for them to develop healthy eating habits later on.
2 Snacks Max
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Children benefit from having regular healthy eating routines throughout the day. The “2 Snacks Max” approach encourages children to enjoy two healthy snacks alongside three balanced “me size meals,” helping to provide the energy they need to learn, play, and grow. Eating at similar times each day helps children establish positive lifelong habits and creates a predictable routine. Children are also more likely to enjoy healthy foods when adults model positive eating behaviours alongside them.
Micky Me Size
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“Micky Me Size” encourages children to eat the correct portion sizes for their age, helping them develop healthy eating habits from an early age. Young children have smaller stomachs than adults, so they need smaller, nutritious meals and regular healthy snacks to support their growth and energy needs. Serving portions that are too large can feel overwhelming for children and may contribute to overeating, food waste, and long-term health concerns such as childhood obesity. Using child-sized plates and offering appropriate “me size meals” helps children recognise natural feelings of hunger and fullness, while promoting positive mealtime experiences and healthy habits that can continue into adulthood.
180 Katie
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“180 Katie” promotes the NHS UK’ Physical Activity Guidelines for children under 5, encouraging active play throughout the day to support healthy growth and development. Babies should be physically active in a variety of ways, including supervised tummy time and floor-based play, while toddlers and pre-school children should aim for at least 180 minutes of activity each day. For children aged 3–4 years, this should also include at least 60 minutes of more energetic activity that raises their heart rate. Encouraging active movement through fun play opportunities helps children build strength, coordination, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits.
Sammy Skills
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“Sammy Skills” promotes the importance of skill-based play to support children’s physical development through the mastery of fundamental movement skills. These skills are grouped into three key areas: locomotor, stability, and manipulative movements, which are essential for children’s confidence, coordination, and overall development. EYFS Profile data continues to show that many children are falling behind in their physical development by the end of the Foundation Stage, highlighting the importance of carefully planned activities with clear purpose and intent to help children build and strengthen these essential skills.
Fay 5 a Day
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“Fay 5 A Day” encourages children and adults to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day to support a healthy lifestyle. Fruit and vegetables are rich in important vitamins, minerals, and fibre, helping to strengthen the immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. They also support healthy digestion and overall wellbeing. Research shows that many young children are not currently achieving their recommended 5 a day, so “Fay 5 A Day” aims to encourage children to enjoy a wider variety of fruits and vegetables from an early age through positive, healthy eating habits.
Active Azra
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“Active Azra” promotes the importance of moving more and sitting less throughout the day, encouraging children to stay active and reduce long periods of inactivity. Movement, even light activity where the “belly button is on the move,” plays an important role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and development. In line with the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines for children under 5, extended periods of sitting should be regularly broken up with active play and movement opportunities. “Active Azra’s” key message is simple: Move More, Sit Less.
Smiley Shen
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“Smiley Shen” encourages children and families to look after their teeth by promoting good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Children’s “milk teeth” are extremely important as they help with eating, speaking, and creating the correct spaces for adult teeth to grow. Poor dental health or early tooth loss can affect the development of permanent teeth and may lead to long-term dental problems. Tooth decay can also impact a child’s wellbeing, confidence, speech, and ability to eat comfortably. By encouraging regular tooth brushing and healthy habits, “Smiley Shen” helps children develop positive routines that support lifelong oral health.