At Jack and Jill, we are actively committed to promoting children’s wellbeing; including physical and mental health.
It is clear that feeling positive socially and emotionally and knowing that you are cared about and respected is crucial for all humans through their lives. The ‘Early Years’ period is a key time to develop and underpin this security as the brain is developing.
A complex range of factors have an impact on social and emotional development. Knowledge of these factors may help encourage investment at a population level in early interventions to support health and wellbeing. This would ensure children (and families) who are most likely to experience the poorest outcomes get the help they need early on in their lives. (NICE 2012)
Social and emotional wellbeing is important in its own right, but it also provides the basis for future health and life chances (NICE 2012)
The term ‘Early Years provision’ denotes the provision of early learning, care and development for a young child. It is recognised as a valuable and distinct phase of education around the world, with specific values and approaches.
‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.’ (DFE 2017)
In England the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2017) details three Prime Areas of development. These are given core importance within the framework:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
‘The EYFS provides a time limited and unique opportunity to set the scene for a positive and life enhancing period of healthy learning and development for each child.’ (Dame Clare Tickell 2011)
In her report, The Early Years: Foundations for life, health, and learning (2011) Dame Clare Tickell demonstrates the clear evidence that children’s experiences in their early years have a strong influence on their outcomes in later life. This is true across a range of areas, including health and social behaviour. She points to the essential role of the Prime Areas in building foundations for healthy development, positive attitudes to relationships, and for progress in key skills such as reading and writing. In addition they give significant support to the development of physical movement and dexterity, healthy eating and exercise – fundamental for understanding how to remain healthy in later life.
‘Physical activity is vital for health and wellbeing. If you can get the habit of being active when you are young it will last for a lifetime.’ (Dr. Mike Loosemore MBE, Lead Consultant Sports Physician UCL 2017)
Benefits of physical activity on the whole child (Cambridge Childhood Partnership):
- Physical activity plays a crucial role in the brain development of young children.
- Improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of developing heart disease in later life.
- Being active enhances bone and muscular development.
- Develops motor skills, movement and coordination and bodily awareness.
- Improves cognitive development and encourages concentration, cooperation, and communication.
- It is an essential component for energy balance and weight control.
- Supports learning social skills and contributes to a sense of belonging.
- Improves self-confidence and helps children to feel comfortable with their bodies.
- Contributes to a feeling of personal wellbeing and lays down good habits and attitudes for the future.
- Supports emotional wellbeing building confidence, optimism, and resilience.
‘Encouraging children to eat well and learn about food in their Early Years not only protects their health when they are young but also sets the foundation for their future health and wellbeing’ (Children’s Food Trust, 2012)
Benefits of a healthy balanced diet in childhood (Cambridge Childhood Partnership):
- Provides energy and protein required for healthy growth and development.
- Provides essential minerals to promote a healthy immune system.
- Provides fibre to ensure healthy bowel movements.
- Supports concentration and better attention levels.
- Ensures development of good bone health.
- Provides essential vitamins that protect the body against harmful substances that can cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Protects against tooth decay.
- Provides vitamin D which is important to protect muscle strength and the prevention of rickets.
- Provides iron and vitamins essential for optimum energy levels.
- Promotes a healthy weight, reducing the future risk of obesity.
Promoting healthy and active lifestyles has long been recognised as a crucial role of Early Years settings.
In 1989 The Pre-school Playgroup Association publication Good Practice for Full Daycare Playgroups recommended:
- Groups should consider children’s dietary needs to ensure that food or drink provided is appropriate, acceptable and nutritious
- Healthy eating habits should be promoted and children should be encouraged to try food they have not had before
- The day should include a balance of large and small muscle activities to develop physical skills
In 2012, the NHS Information Centre’s Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet noted ‘The health benefits of a physically active lifestyle are well documented and there is a large amount of evidence to suggest that regular activity is related to reduced incidents of many chronic conditions. Physical activity contributes to a wide range of health benefits and regular physical activity can improve health outcomes irrespective of whether individuals achieve weight loss.’
The EarlyBird Study (EarlyBird Diabetes Trust 2012, a 12-year research programme observing the health and lifestyle of a cohort of normal healthy children, explains:
- Most excess weight is gained before the child ever starts school; therefore, it is very important that healthy choices start from birth.’
While The Institute for Social and Economic Research, through their Understanding Society: Findings 2012 study demonstrated the link between children’s health and happiness:
- Increased participation in sport associated with high levels of happiness.
- Increased consumption of unhealthy food and decreased consumption of fruit and vegetables were negatively associated with high levels of happiness.
‘Changing daily routines and attitudes towards lifestyle choices once they are established can be a tough challenge. However, early years providers are perfectly positioned to provide children and families with the awareness and encouragement needed to make healthy choices and prevent unhealthy habits developing from the onset.’ (Healthy and Active Lifestyles for the Early Years, 2012: Pre-school Learning Alliance)
At Jack and Jill, we will actively encourage children to explore and experience a range of opportunities that encourage them to make positive selections that will influence their attitudes towards lifestyle choices and impact their health and wellbeing positively.