Developing healthy routines and positive habits during the Early Years gives children strong foundations for their physical health, emotional wellbeing, learning and independence.

At school, we encourage children to develop healthy habits every day. Parents and carers play an equally important role, and consistent routines between home and school can help young children feel safe, secure and ready to learn.

A Good Night's Sleep

Sleep is particularly important for young children. A consistent bedtime routine can help children settle more easily and get the rest they need for a busy day of learning and play.

You can support your child by:

• Keeping bedtime and waking times as consistent as possible.
• Creating a calm routine before bed, such as a bath, story and quiet time.
• Keeping bedrooms calm, comfortable and suitable for sleep.
• Encouraging your child to use the toilet before going to bed.
• Avoiding stimulating activities immediately before bedtime.
• Limiting screen use, particularly in the period before sleep.

Children who have slept well are more likely to arrive at school alert, emotionally regulated and ready to learn.

Starting the Day Well

A predictable morning routine helps children arrive at school feeling calm and prepared.

Encourage your child to begin taking responsibility for simple tasks such as getting dressed, putting on their coat and shoes, brushing their teeth and helping to prepare their belongings for school.

Allowing enough time in the morning can reduce stress and help children begin their school day positively.

Healthy Eating

A varied and balanced diet supports children's growth, concentration and energy levels.

We encourage families to:

• Provide regular, balanced meals.
• Encourage children to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables.
• Include a range of healthy foods and introduce new foods gradually.
• Choose healthy snacks.
• Encourage children to drink water regularly.
• Limit foods and drinks that are high in added sugar.

Eating together, where possible, can also help children develop positive relationships with food, conversation and mealtime routines.

Looking After Our Teeth

Good oral health habits established in childhood can last a lifetime.

Children should be encouraged to:

• Brush their teeth twice every day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush before bedtime and on one other occasion each day.
• Learn to brush their own teeth, with an adult supervising and supporting them.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, particularly between meals.
• Attend regular dental appointments.

• Making toothbrushing part of your child's morning and bedtime routines helps it become an everyday healthy habit.

  Keeping Active

  Young children learn through movement and need plenty of opportunities to be physically active.

  Walking, running, climbing, dancing, riding a bike or scooter, swimming and playing outdoors all help children develop their strength, balance, coordination and physical confidence.

  Active play also supports children's emotional wellbeing and can provide valuable opportunities for families to spend time together.

  Managing Screen Time

  Technology can support children's learning and enjoyment, but it is important that screen use is balanced with active play, conversation, books, creativity, outdoor experiences and sleep.

• Families can help by establishing clear and consistent boundaries around devices, particularly at mealtimes and before bedtime.

• Sharing digital activities with your child also provides opportunities to talk about what they are watching or playing and begin developing safe and responsible technology habits.

  Personal Hygiene and Independence

  The Early Years are an important time for children to begin developing independence in caring for themselves.

  At home, encourage your child to practise:

• Washing and drying their hands properly.
• Using the toilet as independently as possible.
• Covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Using a tissue and disposing of it appropriately.

These everyday experiences build children's confidence, independence and self-esteem as well as supporting good hygiene.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

Young children are still learning to recognise, understand and manage their emotions.

You can help by naming and talking about feelings, listening when your child wants to communicate and helping them understand that all feelings are acceptable while some behaviours need boundaries.

Clear, calm and consistent routines help children know what to expect and can provide an important sense of security.