Developing a sense of wellbeing in our youngest learners

It is important that we as educators, provide opportunities for the children to develop a sense of wellbeing from a young age.

“Wellbeing includes good physical health, feelings of happiness, satisfaction and successful social functioning.” (Early Years Learning Framework for Australia)

A child’s wellbeing influences the way in which they interact with their environment. And a strong sense of wellbeing provides children with confidence and optimism to reach their learning potential.

Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

3.1       Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing

3.2       Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing

Educators at St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre work towards building warm, trusting relationships with the children and provide a predictable and safe learning environment. These conditions support the child to develop a strong sense of wellbeing.

There is a correlation between wellbeing and resilience. Children with a strong sense of wellbeing have the capacity to cope with day to day challenges. The readiness to persevere when faced with unfamiliar and challenging learning situations creates the opportunity for success and achievement. Children are supported to become more resilient to everyday challenges or disappointments.

The children are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their self-help skills and basic routines to promote a sense of independence and confidence. As the children’s fine motor and gross motor skills develop, this provides them with the foundation for growing independence and the satisfaction of being able to do things for themselves.

Learning about healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, personal hygiene, physical fitness, emotions and social relationships is integral to wellbeing. These opportunities for learning are embedded in our early learning programs. A child’s physical wellbeing impacts their ability to concentrate, cooperate and learn. Good nutrition is also essential to healthy living and enables children to be active participants in their play and learning. We promote and encourage healthy food choices with the children.

As Educators, we acknowledge the importance of building a strong sense of wellbeing in the children from a young age. This supports the child to reach their learning potential and lays the foundation for them to live successful lives.

COVID_19 Updates

To assist community members, the School has created an Information Page available on the School Portal to provide up to date information about COVID-19. https://myportal.stcatherines.net.au/homepage/23788. Please ensure you have the St Catherines School App on your phone to receive instant notifications on updates to this Information Page.

Ms Sarah Bethune, Head of Early Learning Centre