Health and Well-being in Early Childhood - Hardcover

This book approaches the subject of health and well-being in a multi dimensional manner. It addresses the subject from biopsychological, psychoneurobiological and ecological systems models to bring together wide-ranging evidence on what matters to young children's physical, social and mental well-being. It is a comprehensive book that will be of use to early years professionals concerned with how to understand, promote and support families and young children in developing resilience, self-esteem, physical health, emotional stability and relational strength. From brain structure and its processes to nutrition, attachment, emotion coaching, systemic factors - economic and social - affecting well-being, this book covers many fundamental and interrelated themes. Several features including Mindful Moments ensure that the reader takes time to reflect on the content and its implications as well as providing summaries, further reading and resources. Added to all of this, it is an enjoyable read.
(Dr Jane Payler 2015-03-17)

‘In an age where the policy emphasis is firmly on educational outcomes and school readiness in the early years,  this book offers a welcome and long overdue focus on the ways in which children’s brain development and education is intimately connected to health and well-being.  Written in a research informed yet accessible way, this is a really valuable addition to the literature and essential reading for all professionals who work with young children.’ 
(Professor Sue Rogers 2015-04-15)

The health and well-being of children is integral to learning and development but what does it actually mean in practice?

This textbook draws on contemporary research on the brain and mind to provide an up-to-date overview of the central aspects of young children’s health and well-being – a key component of the revised EYFS curriculum. 

Critically engaging with a range of current debates, coverage includes

• early influences, such as relationships, attachment (attachment theory) and nutrition
• the role of the brain in health and well-being
• the enabling environment
• other issues affecting child development

To support students with further reading, reflective and critical thinking it employs:

• case studies
• pointers for practice
• mindful moments
• discussion questions
• references to extra readings
• web links

This current, critical and comprehensive course text will provide a solid foundation for students and practitioners on a wide range of early childhood courses, and empower them to support and nurture young children’s health and well-being.