2.2. Explain the responsibilities that parents have for their children in relation to: • health • welfare • education

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Explain the responsibilities that parents have for their children in relation to: • health • welfare • education.

Responsibilities that Parents Have for Their Children

Parents are expected to meet a wide range of responsibilities to support their children’s development and well-being. These responsibilities are recognised in law and by society. They cover health, welfare and education. Meeting these expectations means children have the opportunity to grow safely, develop skills and enjoy a positive start in life.

In this guide, we cover each area that can be applied in early years and playwork settings.

Health

Parents are the primary people responsible for their child’s health. This includes physical, mental and emotional health. They make decisions about medical care, promote healthy lifestyles and protect their child from harm. Good health practice starts from birth and continues throughout a child’s development.

Key responsibilities involve:

• Arranging medical check-ups such as GP visits and dental appointments
• Accessing vaccinations according to NHS schedules
• Providing healthy meals and snacks
• Encouraging physical activity and exercise
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic home
• Supporting good mental health through care, attention and communication

Physical Health

From the moment a baby is born, parents need to promote and protect physical health. This can mean meeting nutritional needs through breastfeeding or suitable formula in the early months, moving on to balanced meals as the child grows. It also involves making sure the child drinks enough water and avoids excessive sugar or processed foods.

Physical health care includes:

• Ensuring the child gets adequate sleep
• Protecting them from accidents by maintaining safe spaces
• Seeking prompt medical advice when illness or injury occurs
• Keeping up to date with immunisations against serious illnesses

Mental and Emotional Health

A child’s mental and emotional health is as important as physical health. Parents have a responsibility to listen to their child’s feelings, offer reassurance and guidance, and help them cope with changes and challenges. This might involve spending quality time together, playing games and reading stories, or offering comfort when the child is upset.

Examples of supportive actions:

• Encouraging expression of feelings
• Teaching positive coping skills for frustration or disappointment
• Modelling kindness and respect
• Maintaining routines that give children stability

Safe Environment

Parents must protect their child from hazards. This can include fitting safety gates, storing cleaning products out of reach, and preventing access to dangerous objects or situations. Outside the home, it involves using correct car seats, teaching road safety and supervising play, particularly with younger children. Safe environments help to reduce injury risk and promote security.

Welfare

Welfare covers the broader aspects of a child’s well-being. It includes emotional security, financial support, housing, clothing and fulfilling everyday needs. Welfare also relates to legal protection and safeguarding from harm or neglect.

Emotional Security

Children need to feel loved and valued. Parents provide affection, praise and encouragement. This builds self-esteem and resilience. Creating a supportive family environment means children are more likely to feel confident in exploring the world around them.

Ways parents can promote emotional security:

• Maintaining consistent routines
• Showing affection such as hugs and kind words
• Listening carefully to the child’s ideas and concerns
• Celebrating achievements, no matter how small

Financial Support

Parents must provide for their child’s needs. This means paying for food, clothing, housing, medical care and activities that support development. In the UK, this duty is reflected in child maintenance rules where both parents are responsible for financial contributions whether or not they live with the child.

Suitable Housing

Safe and suitable housing is part of welfare responsibilities. This means keeping the home clean, warm and secure. Having enough space for rest, play and privacy supports healthy emotional and social growth. Parents might need to adapt the living space as children grow, such as providing a quiet area for school work.

Clothing

Appropriate clothing for weather and activity is a basic responsibility. In winter months, children need warm coats, hats and gloves. During summer, they should be protected from the sun with hats and suitable sunscreen. Clothing should fit well and be comfortable to prevent health problems such as skin irritation or restricted movement.

Safeguarding

The law requires parents to protect their child from abuse or neglect. This means they must act if they suspect harm, and must cooperate with services such as social workers if needed. Parents should know who to contact for help, and should teach their child how to seek support in unsafe situations. This can involve talking about safe and unsafe touch, or explaining how to say no if someone makes them uncomfortable.

Education

Parents are legally responsible for their child’s education in the UK. This applies whether the child attends school or is educated at home. Education is about more than academics, as it supports social, physical and emotional development.

School Attendance

Parents must make sure their child attends school regularly unless they choose home education. Regular attendance allows children to benefit from teaching, social contact and structured learning. It also helps them to develop discipline and routines.

Parents’ duties include:

• Getting children ready for school on time
• Making sure they are equipped with books, pens, sports kits and other supplies
• Communicating with the school about absences or any learning needs

Supporting Learning at Home

Parents need to encourage learning beyond school hours. This might mean reading together, helping with homework, or providing educational games. It also involves creating an environment where learning is valued and rewarded.

Suggestions for support at home:

• Reading stories or factual books together daily
• Encouraging curiosity by answering questions and exploring topics of interest
• Offering praise for effort and achievement
• Providing resources such as internet access for research under supervision

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

If a child has specific learning needs or disabilities, parents are responsible for working with schools and other professionals to put support in place. This could involve attending meetings, understanding education, health and care plans (EHCP), and adapting home routines to meet the child’s needs. Effective support includes advocating for resources and monitoring progress.

Encouraging Social Development

Education in early years and school settings is not just academic. It also includes developing social skills such as sharing, turn-taking and respecting rules. Parents help by modelling good communication, organising playdates or encouraging participation in clubs and activities. These experiences promote teamwork and empathy.

Legal Responsibilities

UK law includes several acts that outline parental responsibilities. The Children Act 1989 and the Education Act 1996 state that parents must provide safety, maintain their child, and make sure they receive education suitable to their age, ability and needs. Failing to meet these responsibilities can lead to intervention from services and, in serious cases, legal action.

Parents also have responsibilities under the Health and Safety guidelines in the home, and must follow regulations relating to safeguarding and child protection. Awareness of these laws helps parents meet both health, welfare and education duties more effectively.

Working with Professionals

Meeting health, welfare and education responsibilities often involves working alongside professionals such as teachers, doctors, health visitors and social workers. Parents benefit from clear communication with these individuals. Professionals can give advice, run checks and help identify concerns early. Parents need to share relevant information honestly and follow agreed recommendations.

This partnership might include:

• Regular discussions about progress at school
• Attending medical appointments and following treatment plans
• Engaging with parenting programmes or workshops

Early years and playwork professionals can support parents by offering information and being approachable for questions. Workers should keep in mind the pressures parents face and help them access resources where possible.

Impact of Meeting Responsibilities

When parents meet their responsibilities, the benefits for children are clear. Good health means children can focus on learning and playing. Strong welfare support gives them confidence and emotional security. Access to education helps them develop skills for adult life.

Children with involved and supportive parents often show better behaviour, stronger social skills and higher achievement in school. They are less likely to experience neglect or poor health outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Parents carry a set of clear duties relating to their child’s health, welfare and education. These responsibilities form the basis for a safe and positive childhood. Fulfilling them requires time, effort and commitment, but the rewards are long-lasting for both the child and the wider community.

Health means making sure children grow up physically well and mentally supported. Welfare means providing love, security and resources that meet daily needs. Education means ensuring every child can learn, develop and prepare for their future.

In early years and playwork settings, understanding these responsibilities helps practitioners guide and support parents. It also ensures that staff can recognise when a child is receiving the care they need or may need extra help. Good collaboration between parents and professionals strengthens outcomes for children across all areas of life.