Encouraging independent hygiene routines and regular handwashing.
Supporting physical activity with outdoor play in our garden.
Some examples of activities in the programme
- Healthy eating: your child will learn about what kind of food is good for them and are encouraged to try healthy food
- Physical activity: you and your child will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the setting and participate in many exciting and challenging physical activities within the setting
- Emotional health and wellbeing: your child will learn about their own feelings and how to express and manage them.
The Healthy Early Years London (HEYL) is an accreditation programme that works with Early Years settings to support and encourage their work on health and wellbeing within the setting and with the support they can offer families.
We have previously participated in the Healthy Early Years scheme, earning both our our Bronze, Silver and Gold award, part of our Gold award was to focus on Emotional Wellbeing.
In 2021 we achieved both our Bromze and Silver HEYL awards and now working towards our Gold award for the HEYL programme.
In order to achieve Healthy Early Years London Bronze Award, settings/childminders have to meet standards in three core areas:
- Personal development, behaviour and welfare
- Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
- Effectiveness of leadership and management
HEYL covers a number of important areas of health, wellbeing and education for your child, including:
- healthy eating; breastfeeding and starting solid food
- oral health
- physical activity and physical development
- speech, language and communication
- social and emotional health and wellbeing
- parenting and home learning
- home safety, accident prevention and reducing injuries
- supporting children with chronic health conditions, special educational needs and disabilities
- infection control and immunisations
- parent and staff health concerns, including: mental health, alcohol and substance misuse, smoking and sustainability e.g. air quality.
Advantages of HEYL
For children
Your child will be more confident, motivated and will learn the skills and information to make important life and health choices. Our range of support services will invest in their personal and social development.
For Early Years
The professional development of our staff will be further supported. We will also strengthen our links within the local community, by developing stronger external partnerships with services and with parents or carers.
For parents and carers
Through regular communication you will be provided with information and guidance on how you can support your child’s health, wellbeing, happiness and education. As well as opportunities for you to influence and contribute to HEYL.
How to get involved
Support your child
- Pack a healthy lunch/healthy snacks
- Drink plenty of water not fizzy drinks
- Walk to the setting where possible
- Take your child/children to the park
- Join your child/children in available activities supporting healthy eating and physical activity
- Ensure your child/children has/have plenty of sleep
- Get your child/children to the setting on time
- Sing songs and read stories with your child/children
Family activity
- Try to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- Make your home smoke-free
- Walk to the setting where possible
- Have an indoor picnic
- Get skipping
- Take a step-o-meter challenge
- Ditch the remote
Get involved
- Review our resources
- Support policy development
- Attend parent sessions and consultations