Supporting schools to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people
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Early Years

The experiences of children in the early years have implications for the rest of their lives. Although there are many opportunities to make a difference to the lives of children and young people, intervening in early childhood is the most effective phase to impact on the future development of the child.

Early childhood settings play an important role in promoting health and wellbeing for children, their families and communities.

Wiltshire schools can include evidence from early years, as part of their Wiltshire Healthy Schools application.  

Useful links

Local support and resources

Wiltshire Council Early Years and Childcare

Information and links to local services on the Wiltshire Council website. 

Early Years Learning and Development

Wiltshire Council's early years team, advising on all aspects of EYFS pedagogy and practice for schools, early years settings and children’s centres. 

Best Start in Life Toolkit

The Best Start in Life E-toolkit, launched in 2019, provides clear, simple messages to promote positive health and wellbeing in its widest sense to support children in Wiltshire to have the Best Start in Life. Professionals are encouraged to share the key messages and information on support services with parents and carers they meet.

Emotional wellbeing and mental heath  

Good practice and support links for Wiltshire early years settings.

Tooth brushing scheme and training for early years staff

The Oral Health Promotion team offer you and your staff the opportunity to set up a tooth brushing scheme within your setting. We have designed a toolkit that will provide all details on how to get started and how to sustain tooth brushing within a nursery / pre-school setting.

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) 

MECC is an effective way of supporting positive change and is endorsed by the Wiltshire Family and Children's Transformation (FACT) Programme.  Ideally this approach will be used when sharing key health messages.

Five to Thrive

Wiltshire Council promotes the Five to Thrive approach and has developed Five to Thrive local champions.

National links

Resources from the Anna Freud Trust

Covid early years support hub. 

Beep Beep! Day

Schools, nurseries, playgroups or childminders can organise a Beep Beep! Day to engage children (2-7) with the road safety basics through fun activities.