SUN salutes, downward dogs and, of course, child’s pose are now all part of life at a Pembrokeshire childcare establishment, which is seeing the benefits of daily yoga sessions.

Noah’s Ark Childcare in Narberth has become the first childcare setting in Wales to achieve Mini Me Yoga Accreditation and Nursery status.

Youngsters from babies up to 12-year-olds are now enjoying a programme of breathing, mediation and mindfulness which increases the capacity for children to learn and be gentle to one another; teaches respect for nature and how to grow strong mentally and physically.

Said Vicky Winship, senior assistant at Noah’s Ark: “The children have really enjoyed learning the yoga poses and are developing their motor skills and balance.

“There is lots of joy, laughter and smiling faces when we are doing the programme together.”

Deputy manager Charmaine Davies said that the programme had “increased happiness and created a calmer atmosphere” at Noah’s Ark.

She added: “It provides the children with more opportunities for physical exercise, whilst promoting fun activities supporting their well-being.”

Children from the day nursery, playgroup and after-school club are using their new skills, with staff being trained by Vicky Readings, Wales ambassador for the international children’s company, Mini Me Yoga.

She said: “I feel extremely privileged to have trained and worked with a team of staff who are dedicated to support the children in their care, implementing the strategies.

“Being a trained teacher, I understand and have seen the impact of using these techniques to support well-being alongside the importance of providing future generations with tools to create happier, healthier, confident children.

”We need to do this together as a community, and that is exactly what Noah’s Ark Childcare aim to do.”