All about physical development, our bodies, and knowing what keeps us fit and healthy and safe!
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An introduction to physical development in the early years
Physical movement skills are an important part of all children’s development, and this relates to much more than just being physically active. In this course we examine what physical development is and why it is important. Developed in association with Loughborough University.
Supporting and promoting physical development in the early years
Physical movement skills are an important part of all children’s development. There are lots of ways you can support and promote physical development in your setting. Get ideas and inspiration here. Developed in association with Loughborough University.
Supporting disadvantaged families in the promotion of physical development
Two key areas affecting children’s life chances are quality early years education and a strong home learning environment. Supporting families and parents, as well as providing a positive environment for children in your setting can have a positive impact on the life chances of disadvantaged children. There are many ways you can support and promote physical development among disadvantaged families and we explore these here. Developed in association with Loughborough University.
Food and drink in the early years foundation stage
If you provide the children in your setting with meals and snacks the Early Years Foundation Stage requires that these are healthy, balanced and nutritious. 90% of parents who participated in a You Gov public survey in 2018 believe that is is important that their childcare provider has a good general understanding of young children's nutritional needs. What is good nutrition for early years children? How do you go about ensuring that you are providing it?
Mealtimes and the Education Inspection Framework
During an Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) inspection, the inspector will expect to see that you provide a healthy diet, but also that you give consistent messages to children that support healthy choices around food. How do you use meal and snack times in your setting to do this? We explore this here.
Dental hygiene and oral health in the early years
With children spending an increasing amount of time in childcare, practitioners play an important part in supporting and promoting good dental hygiene and oral health. There are many ways to do this in your setting. Explore these here.
Promoting and supporting handwashing in your setting
Handwashing is one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea and vomiting and respiratory disease. We explore the guidance around handwashing; how you can help young children to understand why they should wash their hands; and how you can support them to do so effectively, independently and confidently.
Stories and safeguarding
The national frameworks in both England and Wales provide comprehensive guidance around keeping children healthy, safe and secure and you should ensure you are aware of your responsibilities in this area. However, stories have a big part to play in teaching children about risks and how to manage them, and about keeping themselves safe and well too. Learn more here.

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