3.3y–5y12 minFamily timeMealtimeDevelopmental play
Our Family Health Ways
A respectful conversation-and-action routine where you helps your child think about health (food, movement, sleep, hygiene, safety) in a way that fits the family’s expectations and daily patterns, ending with one doable family health plan.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and a pen/marker (or a notes app)
- a few everyday examples from your routine (meals, getting ready, going out, bedtime)
Nice to have
- pictures of foods/activities (magazine cut-outs or photos on your phone) to point to
- a small item for a quick movement break (scarf, soft ball, or just space to stretch)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Shows some understanding that good practices with regard to exercise, eating, sleeping and hygiene can contribute to good health.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Eats a healthy range of foodstuffs and understands need for variety in food.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows understanding of the need for safety when tackling new challenges, and considers and manages some risks.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Shows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Usually dry and clean during the day.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Be sensitive to varying family expectations and life patterns when encouraging thinking about health.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)