EYP 9: Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
The “Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner” aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to support the early development of children. One vital unit in this qualification is “EYP 9: Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles.” This unit focuses on the crucial role that early years practitioners play in promoting health and well-being among young children.
Supporting well-being and healthy lifestyles involves understanding the physical, emotional, and social needs of infants and young children. This unit teaches practitioners how to create a caring environment where children feel secure and valued. It includes aspects such as promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and ensuring proper hygiene practices. Practitioners learn how to introduce nutritious food choices and involve children in activities that promote physical fitness, such as outdoor play and movement exercises.
Emotional well-being is another critical component covered in this unit. Children need supportive, positive relationships to develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. Practitioners are trained to foster a nurturing atmosphere where children can express their emotions and develop strong social skills. They learn strategies for managing behaviour positively and helping children build resilience and coping skills.
Overall, promoting a healthy lifestyle in early years settings lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. By mastering the concepts in this unit, practitioners ensure that children develop healthy habits early on, reducing the risk of future physical and mental health issues. This unit is essential because it highlights that a holistic approach to health and well-being is integral to the overall development and happiness of children.
Answers and Guides
1. Understand the impact of food and nutrition on children’s health and development
- 1.1 Summarise current dietary guidance for Early Years Settings
- 1.2 Explain the importance of a healthy balanced diet for babies and young children
2. Understand healthy balanced diets and hydration
- 2.1 Explain the nutritional value of the main food groups
- 2.2 Describe importance of hydration for babies and young children
- 2.3 Explain strategies to encourage healthy eating
3. Be able to support the nutrition and hydration of babies and young children in an Early Years Setting
- 3.1 Promote health and well-being in settings by encouraging babies and young children to consume healthy and balanced meals, snacks and drinks appropriate for their age
- 3.2 Share information with parents/carers about the importance of healthy balanced diets for nutrition, well-being and oral health
4. Understand the impact of health and well-being on babies and young children’s development
- 4.1 Explain the impacts of poor diet on babies and young children’s health, development and well-being in the: short-term, long-term
- 4.2 Explain how emotional resilience/mental health impacts upon holistic wellbeing
5. Understand individuals’ dietary requirements and preferences
- 5.1 Identify reasons for: • special dietary requirements • keeping and sharing coherent records with regard to special dietary requirements
- 5.2 Explain the role of the Early Years Practitioner in meeting children’s individual dietary requirements and preferences
- 5.3 Describe benefits of working in partnership with parents/carers in relation to special dietary requirements
6. Be able to support healthy eating in an Early Years Setting
