Well-being is a broad term that covers how you feel about yourself and your life. It encompasses the physical, emotional (and mental), social and spiritual areas of a person. Under the EYFS this is covered in the children’s personal, social, emotional development and physical development. Both of which are prime areas of learning.
Physical well-being covers everything physical to do with the body:
- Growth and development
- Moving and keeping physically fit
- Caring for your health (e.g. washing, cleaning teeth, etc.)
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- Rest and appropriate sleep patterns.
Mental and emotional well-being includes:
- Acknowledging, expressing and coping with feelings and emotions
- Thought processes
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
Social well-being includes:
- Relationships
- Family (close and extended)
- Friends
- The feeling of belonging and acceptance
- Compassion and caring approaches.
Spiritual well-being can cover the following:
- Value and beliefs held
- Personal identity and self-awareness.
At The Nursery we ensure that all children, families, staff, and visitors are welcomed, and we are an inclusive setting. We support all to embrace their spiritual well-being and celebrate key events with them.
Children’s physical well-being is supported through our carefully planned curriculum programme which supports all types of play inside and outside. We provide nutritionally balanced snacks for the children and support our staff to make healthy choices regarding their physical health.
Personal hygiene is supported in children of all ages, explaining the reasons for hand washing, tooth brushing and other routines.
Children are provided with quiet and calming areas for rest, sleep and relaxation. This enables them to recharge their batteries and supports both their physical and mental well-being.
We support children to make strong attachments with their key person as well as forge relationships with their peers in order to support their social well-being. We offer opportunities and resources for children to play singly, in pairs, small groups and large groups to support this area of development.
Children’s mental and emotional well-being is supported. We provide activities in which children are able to recognise and express their emotions, including emotional literacy. This enables us to provide support for children who may be experiencing big emotions they can’t cope with just yet. We support children’s self-regulation through carefully planned activities and resources. This includes supporting children to manage their own emotions and behaviours using rules and boundaries created by the children themselves. Staff use the promoting positive behaviour policy to ensure consistency.
Staff are able to recognise when a child may need support with their emotions and provide this one to one or in a small group, whichever is more appropriate. Teaching children to recognise and manage their emotions at a young age will support them throughout their life.