More than 20,000 adapted oral health packs given to children with SEND
More than 20,000 adapted oral health packs have been distributed to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Cheshire and Merseyside through the All Together Smiling supervised toothbrushing programme.
The packs are designed to make toothbrushing easier for children who may experience sensory sensitivities or other barriers. They include adapted toothbrushes and non-foaming, flavourless toothpaste, with children also receiving the same products to use at home.
All Together Smiling says consistency between school and home can help children who find changes difficult. Staff in participating settings receive training, resources and ongoing support to make supervised toothbrushing a positive and accessible experience.
The SEND work includes support in mainstream settings, alongside existing links with specialist SEND settings. The programme is also trialling a universal supervised toothbrushing offer for children in specialist settings.
More than 16,400 children are now taking part across 340 early years and primary school settings, representing 57% of eligible settings. The programme has distributed more than 436,000 oral health packs in total. Each standard pack contains a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and key oral health messages for families.
Rachel Chidzey, assistant head at Brook Acre Community Primary School in Warrington, said:
“Our supervised toothbrushing scheme has had a particularly positive impact on children with SEND. For some pupils, sensory sensitivities can make toothbrushing challenging, but taking part alongside their peers helps build curiosity, confidence and encourages engagement.”
“The support from All Together Smiling, including adapted toothbrushes and take-home packs, has been invaluable. Using the same products at school and at home provides important consistency for children who struggle with change.”
“We've seen children who were previously reluctant to brush their teeth become much more engaged and independent. One child, who initially refused to hold a toothbrush at all, now brushes with toothpaste independently as part of their daily routine, after gentle exposure and a phased approach to brushing. The progress has made a real difference both in school and at home.”
All Together Smiling is a three-year, evidence-based programme for children aged two to seven in eligible settings within the 20% most deprived communities across Cheshire and Merseyside. The programme began in April 2024 and is funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
Settings can check their eligibility by emailing [email protected].
