Children have needs that need to be fulfilled to remain healthy. The WHO definition of health is a “state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (MCI undated c pp1). This essay will look at how Early child care settings can fulfil specific physical needs of exercise, rest, nutrition and health and safety of a three year old. It will also look at how settings can fulfil the psychological needs of a three year old including attachment, self esteem, self worth and friendship. Lastly the essay will look at how the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS), 2012 can be implemented in order to maintain the health and safety of a setting.
The basic physical needs of a human are defined by as; nutritious food to eat, shelter from the environment, clean air to breath, and clean water to drink (MCI undated c pp2). To allow for a healthy development more complex physical needs such as; opportunities for active movement, or exercise, the need for regular rest and sleep, and the protection from illness and danger must also be considered (MCI undated c pp2).
At three years of age a child needs plenty of active play; outdoors, dancing, or group games; where they can practise moving their bodies in a range of ways (BAECE 2012). They also need the chance to be able to manipulate different equipment; pencils, scissors, and puzzles; to develop their fine motor skills (BAECE 2012). Because young children tend to only have short bursts of energy it is important to be aware that they may require rest in the form of quiet activities or even a short nap (BAECE 2012).
A child at age three requires a well balanced diet with the correct mix of nutrients to help the body, grow, repair itself and fight off disease (MCI undated c Ch4). Children are learning about basic hygiene; taking care of themselves, toileting, hand washing, and the basics of dressing themselves (BAECE 2012).
For a carer to...