Food and water provides energy for the children and enhances their learning. The foods that children eat are essential as it encourages them to grow and develop. Mealtimes are also important for the children to socialise and learn about other cultures, as well as developing healthy eating patterns. Nutrients is vital for a young child and is provided for them via their food that, as a practitioner, you select and serve for them so it is vital that foods high in nutrients and minerals are given to the children because this will help with all their developments. A healthy balanced diet including carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, dairy and vitamins is important for the growth and development of the children and it also helps them learn what foods are good for their bodies and minds. As a practitioner it can be helpful to provide a personalised meal plan for each child to suit their own individual needs and wants; this will based on their culture and religion, their normal diet routines, their allergies and their likes and dislikes. It’s important to keep on track of their water intake as it is your responsibility as a practitioner to keep on top of the children’s needs, such as hydration as it is your duty to keep them happy and hydrated. Drinks need to be provided throughout the day, especially when it’s hot or a lot of …show more content…
Washing them could be anything from wiping their face after lunch to cleaning them after soiling themselves; once the child is cleaned, their soiled clothes should be put in aplastic bag and put on their hook, and then spare clothes should be put on the child. Taking care of skin could mean putting on sunscreen when it’s a hot day or putting on a hat; this protects the skin from the sun as well as their eyes. Children don’t necessarily do their teeth at nursery; it depends on the size of their group and what time they open/finish; but as a practitioner you could teach them how to brush their teeth properly through song, role play, clips or by personally showing them. Doing it as an activity is a fun way for a child to learn an important daily routine; it helps with their independence, listening skills and hygiene. When a child gets head lice, it is important to keep it confidential as it prevents the child from being cast out or picked on; a simple letter stating that there is head lice in the nursery and that it’s important for the parents to check their children’s hear is perfectly acceptable. Some places may require you to tell parents of children with long hair to tie their child’s hair up when at nursery could be a subtle way of preventing lice; this will most likely