Children's health and wellbeing

There are a variety of transitions we experience on a daily basis, so many that the list goes on and on… let’s take a closer look at how common, everyday transitions differ, so we can appropriately support children’s experiences throughout their early education and care.  

In this article, we'll explore what infant mental health is, why it’s important and how we, as professionals, can foster a healthy emotional environment for young children in our care.  

A healthy diet is important for every child in their early years and beyond, but children under two years old have particular requirements that should be followed closely to ensure everyone has a healthy, safe and enjoyable experience of food!  

We know that outdoor learning opportunities are an important part of well-rounded child development, providing unique opportunities for physical development and strong connections to our wellbeing.

In this article, we are going to focus on specific requirements in relation to allergies and intolerances, exploring what they mean and what we can do to support an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. 

Independence at mealtimes has a vast range of benefits, from developing fine motor skills to improving their focus and attention to an individual space.

Establishing valuable bonds with young children is at the heart of early education and care practice. The importance of the adult’s position in the space, as a role model and safe space cannot be undervalued.

Our relationship with food starts early on, and early education and care professionals play an important part in encouraging healthy habits, establishing nutritious routines and supporting children to feel confident about their eating choices. This learning workout is going to focus on how we can encourage confidence when it comes to eating at the setting and how this can be sustained through early childhood for a prosperous future where food is fun!  

Mealtimes in an early education and care setting can often be busy for children and professionals alike. For children, it’s an exciting time of the day, exploring new tastes and filling their hungry little tummies. For professionals, it’s a time of acute observation to ensure safety and hygiene. But, for all involved, mealtimes are also a highly social situation and an opportunity to cultivate positive relationships with food, that value the benefits and enjoyment of a healthy balanced lifestyle. 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways to promote healthy eating in the home environment. These can be shared with parents and carers to support a consistently positive approach to healthy appetites for little tummies! 

Fine motor skills are all about the movements using smaller muscles, mostly in the hands and upper arms, that require a heightened level of control and precision. In this article, we’re going to explore fine motor skills – what they are and how we can encourage their development through early education and care.  

Have a look at some ways to promote physical activity within the home learning environment.

Let’s take a look at oral health in early education and care and consider what it means for young children in our care.

Healthy eating in the early years lays the foundations for physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. It fuels growth, supports brain development and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.