Supporting Healthy Lifestyles in Children
This element focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles in early years settings, covering nutrition based on current dietary guidelines, physical activity's role in holistic development, and oral health. Practitioners must not only understand these areas but also effectively communicate their importance to parents and carers, ensuring consistent healthy practices at home and in the setting.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF) is a vocational qualification that equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work as early years educators in a range of settings, including nurseries and preschools. It covers child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and partnership working, and requires a practical placement to demonstrate competence.
Topic Overview
This qualification is designed for individuals who want to become early years educators, working with children from birth to five years old. It covers a wide range of topics including child development, play and learning, safeguarding, health and safety, and working in partnership with families and other professionals. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, requiring learners to complete a minimum of 350 hours in a real early years setting.
The diploma is regulated by Ofqual and meets the full criteria for the Early Years Educator (EYE) status, meaning successful learners are qualified to count in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings. It is a substantial qualification that prepares learners for roles such as nursery practitioner, preschool assistant, or childminder, and it also provides a foundation for further study in early years or primary education.
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, including observations, reflective accounts, and professional discussions, as well as written assignments. This ensures that learners can demonstrate both knowledge and competence in practice. The qualification emphasises the importance of reflective practice and continuous professional development, which are key to becoming an effective early years educator.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Child development theories: Understand key theorists like Piaget, Vygotsky, Bowlby, and Parten, and how they apply to practice.
- →Safeguarding and child protection: Know the signs of abuse, the legal framework (e.g., Children Act 2004), and the correct reporting procedures.
- →Play and learning: Understand the different types of play and how they support development across all areas (physical, cognitive, social, emotional).
- →Partnership working: Know how to work effectively with parents, carers, and other professionals, including the importance of information sharing and confidentiality.
- →Health and safety: Be aware of legislation such as the EYFS, risk assessment, and promoting healthy lifestyles for children.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet for children 1.1 Explain the importance of healthy eating in children 1.2 Give an example of a healthy balanced diet using current dietary guidance for early years 1.3 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around the importance of healthy balanced diets 2. Understand the importance of being physically active for children 2.1 Explain the importance of physical activity in the development of children 2.2 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around being physically active3. Understand the importance of looking after teeth and oral health for children 3.1 Explain the importance of looking after teeth and oral health 3.2 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around looking after teeth and oral health
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for explaining the importance of healthy eating by referencing specific nutrients (e.g., iron for cognitive development, calcium for bone growth) and their impact on short- and long-term health outcomes in children.
- Award credit for providing a detailed example of a balanced daily menu for children aged 1-4 years, clearly aligning with the Eatwell Guide and demonstrating appropriate portion sizes, variety of food groups, and consideration of common dietary allergens.
- Award credit for demonstrating effective communication when sharing information with parents/carers, using accessible language, multiple methods (e.g., verbal, written, visual), and showing sensitivity to cultural and individual dietary needs.
- Award credit for explaining how physical activity supports motor skill development, social interaction, and emotional well-being, and for linking to official physical activity guidelines for early years.
- Award credit for outlining key oral health practices, such as limiting free sugars, promoting water consumption, regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, and dental visits, and for making clear connections between diet and dental health.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always support your explanations with references to current, authoritative guidance such as the Eatwell Guide, UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines, and Public Health England's oral health resources.
- 💡When describing how to share information with parents/carers, use concrete examples of resources (e.g., leaflets, visual displays, informal chats) and tailor your approach to a specific scenario, showing how you would adapt to different family contexts.
- 💡Ensure written evidence includes specific, detailed examples rather than generic statements; for a balanced diet, name actual foods, portion sizes, and meal timing, and explain why each element is included.
- 💡Cover all three areas—diet, physical activity, and oral health—equally, and demonstrate understanding of their interconnections, such as how physical activity can influence appetite and how sugary foods affect teeth.
- 💡Always use the correct terminology from the EYFS and the qualification specification, such as 'enabling environment', 'scaffolding', and 'attachment'.
- 💡In longer answer questions, structure your response with clear paragraphs: introduction, key points with examples, and a conclusion that directly answers the question.
- 💡Link theory to practice: when discussing a concept, always give a practical example from a real early years setting to show you understand how it applies.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Assuming that a healthy diet for children is the same as for adults, failing to account for higher fat requirements in under-5s and age-appropriate portion sizes.
- Overlooking the importance of unstructured active play throughout the day, focusing only on planned physical activities or outdoor time, and not addressing the need for movement in all weathers.
- Neglecting oral health as part of overall health, or discussing toothbrushing without emphasizing the critical role of diet, especially the frequency and timing of sugary foods and drinks.
- Using professional jargon when sharing information with parents/carers without simplifying concepts or considering the family's existing knowledge, leading to ineffective and non-inclusive communication.
- Misconception: 'Observation is just watching a child.' Correction: Observation is a systematic process that involves recording, analysing, and using the information to plan next steps for the child's learning and development.
- Misconception: 'Safeguarding means protecting children from physical harm only.' Correction: Safeguarding covers all forms of abuse, including emotional, neglect, and exploitation, and also involves promoting children's welfare and well-being.
- Misconception: 'The EYFS is just a set of guidelines.' Correction: The EYFS is a statutory framework that all early years providers must follow, and it sets standards for learning, development, and care.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on child development theories. Create flashcards for each theorist and their key ideas. Watch videos of children to practice identifying developmental milestones.
- 2Week 2: Study safeguarding and health and safety. Read the EYFS safeguarding section and make a mind map of procedures. Practice writing a safeguarding report.
- 3Week 3: Revise play and learning. Observe children in your placement and note types of play. Link your observations to Parten's stages.
- 4Week 4: Review partnership working and professional practice. Write a reflective account of a time you worked with a parent or colleague. Practice answering 6-mark questions under timed conditions.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Multiple-choice questions: These test recall of key facts, such as ratios, legislation, and theorist names. Read each question carefully and eliminate obviously wrong answers.
- 📋Short-answer questions (1-2 marks): These require a specific fact or definition. Use the exact wording from the specification where possible.
- 📋Scenario-based questions (4-6 marks): You are given a scenario and asked to apply your knowledge. Use the PEE method (Point, Evidence, Explain) to structure your answer.
- 📋Case study questions: These may involve a child with specific needs. You must identify relevant factors and suggest appropriate support, linking to legislation and theories.
Command Word Expectations (OPEN AWARDS)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
In an 'Evaluate' question, you must give a balanced judgement, considering strengths and weaknesses, and come to a reasoned conclusion. For example, 'Evaluate the effectiveness of the EYFS in supporting children's learning.' You should discuss both positive and negative aspects and then state your overall opinion with justification.
For 'Explain', you need to provide a detailed account of why or how something happens. You should give reasons and evidence, and link to theory or legislation. For example, 'Explain how play supports a child's social development.' You must describe the process and give examples.
For 'Describe', you need to give a detailed account of what something is like or what happens. You do not need to give reasons, but you should be precise and use correct terminology. For example, 'Describe the stages of play according to Parten.'
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: A nursery has a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for children aged 2-3 years. If there are 16 children in the room, how many staff are required? Show your working.
- 1.Step 1: Identify the ratio: 1 staff member per 4 children.
- 2.Step 2: Divide the number of children by the ratio: 16 ÷ 4 = 4.
- 3.Step 3: State the answer with the correct unit: 4 staff members are required.
Question: Evaluate the importance of partnership working with parents in supporting a child's transition to nursery. (6 marks)
- 1.Step 1: Define partnership working and its purpose in early years.
- 2.Step 2: Explain benefits for the child, e.g., consistency, reduced anxiety.
- 3.Step 3: Explain benefits for parents, e.g., trust, shared information.
- 4.Step 4: Provide a specific example, e.g., sharing a 'settling-in' plan.
- 5.Step 5: Conclude with overall impact on child's development.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Supporting Healthy Lifestyles in Children
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A basic understanding of child development is helpful, but not essential, as the course covers this in depth.
- •GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 or above are often required for entry, as they are needed for the functional skills assessments.
- •Some experience working with children, such as voluntary work, can be beneficial but is not mandatory.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet for children 1.1 Explain the importance of healthy eating in children 1.2 Give an example of a healthy balanced diet using current dietary guidance for early years 1.3 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around the importance of healthy balanced diets 2. Understand the importance of being physically active for children 2.1 Explain the importance of physical activity in the development of children 2.2 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around being physically active3. Understand the importance of looking after teeth and oral health for children 3.1 Explain the importance of looking after teeth and oral health 3.2 Demonstrate sharing information with parents/carers around looking after teeth and oral health
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