Children’s Well-being in the Nursery Policy

Well-being is a broad term that covers how you feel about yourself and your life. It encompasses the physical, emotional (and mental), social and spiritual areas of a person. Under the Early Years Foundations Stage (EYFS) this is covered in the children’s personal, social, emotional development and physical development, both of which are prime areas of learning and development.

We are committed to promoting the holistic well-being of all children in our care. Well-being underpins all aspects of development and learning and is fundamental to achieving positive outcomes in line with the EYFS. Our approach supports children physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually while recognising each child as an individual.

Physical well-being covers everything physical to do with the body:
• Growth and development
• Moving and keeping physically fit
• Caring for personal health (e.g. washing, cleaning teeth, etc.)
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
• Rest and appropriate sleep patterns.
• Safety and Health Awareness- Staff promote children’s understanding of safety and health, including safe use of equipment, awareness of hazards, and following hygiene routines to prevent illness.
• We take into account each child’s individual physical needs, including allergies, medical conditions, or physical disabilities, to ensure all children can participate safely and fully
• Children’s physical growth, dietary needs, and sleep patterns are monitored, and staff work in partnership with parents to support these areas


Children’s physical well-being is supported through our carefully planned curriculum programme which supports all types of gross and fine motor play both inside and outside. We provide nutritionally balanced meals for the children and support our staff to make healthy choices in regard to their physical health.

Personal hygiene is supported in children of all ages, explaining the reasons for hand washing, tooth brushing and other routines.

Children are provided with quiet and calming areas for rest, sleep and relaxation.
Mental and emotional well-being includes:
• Acknowledging, expressing and coping with feelings and emotions
• Thought processes
• Reducing stress and anxiety.

Children’s mental and emotional well-being is supported. We provide a safe environment that allows for caregiver to child co-regulation. This practice supports the process of children building the capacity for self-regulation, through providing activities in which children are able to recognise and express their emotions, including emotional literacy. This enables us to provide support for children who may be experiencing big emotions they cannot cope with just yet, including sadness and over-excitement. We support children’s self-regulation through carefully planned activities and resources, modelling calming strategies and naming and talking about feelings and by providing opportunities for children to practise their self-regulation skills.


Staff use the Promoting positive behaviour policy to ensure a consistent approach.


Staff are able to recognise when a child may need support with their emotions and will provide this one-to-one or in a small group, whichever is more appropriate. Teaching children to recognise and manage their emotions at a young age helps support foundations for doing this throughout their life.


Children are supported to develop resilience, confidence, and strategies to cope with challenges appropriate to their age and stage of development. Staff are trained to observe children for signs of emotional distress and to respond sensitively.


Children’s mental and emotional well-being is supported by respecting family routines, cultural practices, and personal experiences, ensuring every child feels secure and valued.


Social well-being includes:
• Relationships
• Family (close and extended)
• Friends
• The feeling of belonging and acceptance
• Compassion and caring approaches.

We support children to make strong attachments with their key person as well as forge relationships with their peers in order to support their social well-being. We offer opportunities and resources for children to play singly, in pairs, small groups and large groups to support this area of development.


Children are taught to develop empathy, respect differences, and interact positively. Staff address any conflict constructively and in line with the Promoting Positive Behaviour Policy.


Spiritual well-being can cover the following:
• Value and beliefs held
• Personal identity and self-awareness.

We celebrate diversity, encouraging children to explore and understand their own beliefs, values, and culture as well as those of others, respect and tolerance. Children are provided with opportunities to reflect on their experiences, and engage in activities.