Wellbeing
Wellbeing
In its simplest terms wellbeing can be described as:
The state of being healthy, comfortable and happy
Children’s wellbeing is, without doubt, at the centre of the Early Years Foundation Stage. A child’s level of well-being is intrinsically linked to their levels of involvement and motivation to learn. Within the Statutory Framework for the Early Years clarity is given to the importance of key persons in supporting the wellbeing of their children, identifying when this changes and communicating to parents and carers about their children’s wellbeing.
Guidance issued by the Department for Education on Mental Health and behaviour has identified factors that place certain individuals and groups at a higher risk of developing Mental Health problems. These risks relate to the child, the family, the community they live in or significant life events. These risk factors include:
- Communication difficulties
- Learning difficulties
- Disadvantaged children
- Children with illnesses or medical needs
- Poor attachments
- Children dealing with trauma or loss
- Poor parenting, family breakdown and inconsistent discipline
Risk factors are cumulative and children exposed to multiple risks such as social disadvantage, family adversity and cognitive or attention problems are much more likely to develop behavioural problems. However, there are factors that promote children’s mental health and it is, therefore, important to understand these ‘protective factors’ and how they promote children to be resilient when they encounter problems and challenges. Some ‘protective factors’ include:
- Good communication skills (including the language of feelings)
- Experiences of belonging and achievement, strong attachments and sociability
- Promoting Characteristics of Effective Learning and self-regulation skills
- Promoting a sense of success and achievement
- Inclusive and supportive environments and community networks
- Positive working relationships between parents/carers and settings
- Robust setting/school policy, procedure and practice to support transitions (including daily transitions)
The role that education plays in promoting the resilience of their pupils is important, especially for children whose home life is less supportive. Schools and settings should provide an environment that is safe and affirming, where a child can develop a strong sense of belonging and feel able to trust and talk openly with adults.
Adapted from Mental health and behaviour in schools, DfE (2018)
The Anna Freud Centre have just released updated resources in relation to staff wellbeing.
It's important to remember that the wellbeing of early years staff is key to supporting the babies, infants, toddlers and their families in your care. Our Early years staff wellbeing resource is designed to help managers and their teams put in simple activities to promote wellbeing.
There are 6 short, one page documents which support staff in implementing a policy, support in action with workplace examples, alongside a resource for using in a team meeting.
Useful Links
Safer food, better business for childminders | Food Standards Agency
Childhood obesity: a plan for action - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Eatwell Guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Example menus for early years settings in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What is TastEd? | Taste Education
Brush your teeth | Early Years - Nursery Rhymes - YouTube
EYFS. Playtime - Toothbrush - BBC Teach
Early Years’ Foundation Stage | Oral Health Foundation (dentalhealth.org)
PowerPoint Presentation (food.gov.uk)
PowerPoint Presentation (foundationyears.org.uk)