The importance of childrens health and wellbeing

Children’s health and wellbeing is the foundation for them to achieve a successful future. The Foresight Report (2008), defines wellbeing as a ‘dynamic state, in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community. In addition to this, Nidirect (2018), says that emotional wellbeing is critical in developing a healthy successful school community, including developing a pupil's social, emotional and behavioural skills. Likewise, another source says that children’s wellbeing is influenced by a range of factors and includes their subjective feelings as well as social, physical and psychological aspects of their lives’ (Bowling, A., 2011). From this we can perceive a link from how one feeling and believes inside, can determine the future and sculpt something positive if their wellbeing is positive.

‘The Health and Wellbeing AoLE group recognises that good health and wellbeing begins with a string of sense of self. Sense of self can be divided into three main areas: mind, body and emotions. Teaching and understanding the interconnection between the three is very important, because, when a person has a strong sense of self, they are able to connect and build positive, healthy relationships with others’ (National Assembly Wales, 2018). Which implies that if children are taught about wellbeing, they would become confident with a sense of self and this would encourage them throughout their education and help to fulfil their future to their full potential. This is important because wellbeing is more than the absence of illness and goes beyond life satisfaction. ‘It is linked with an individual’s physical health, health behaviours and resilience’ (Public Health England, 2013).

‘All children have a right to high quality healthcare which meets their needs and supports them to live their lives to the full’ (National Children’s Bureau, 2018), similarly, ‘we are committed to improving the health and well-being of all children and young people, ensuring that their right to good health and care is protected’ (National Children’s Bureau, 2018). We can understand from this that in many circumstances’ health and wellbeing for children and the future is important as it is being supported and pushed forward as something that needs to be taken as a serious matter. Encouraging a sense of self and self-positivity is important in this day and age.

It is argued that ‘pupils with better health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically’ (Public Health England, 2014). Children experiencing, and learning outdoors can benefit their health and wellbeing and boost their moral. It can also help them to achieve more in their future education. A linked source suggested that ‘children and young people who are aerobically fit have higher academic scores’ (Public Health England, 2014). In addition, if schools were to encourage more outdoor learning and fitness it would encourage it over all, therefore boosting wellbeing of children. It is said that ‘schools are key places for shaping general wellbeing. The health and wellbeing of children contributes to their ability to benefit from good quality teaching and to achieve their full academic potential’ (Gutman, L. & Vorhaus, J., 2012).

In Donaldson’s ‘Successful Futures’ report, he says that young children should continue to have experiences and opportunities across the six main areas on learning experience as well as continue to develop literacy, numeracy and digital skills, he says that health and well-being should be recognized as just as important. ‘the report suggests teaching and learning should challenge young people to be the best they can be’ (Donaldson, G. 2015). ‘…there’s potential within the new area of learning and experience to have well-being more wide-spread across the practice within the school than maybe ever was. You recognise the importance of it, but it’s how it’s delivered within the curriculum’ (National Assembly Wales, 2018).

From the evidence provided, we can see that form many different sources that wellbeing for children is widely supported and important in order to implement better future and success for the generations to come. There is much more research which shows how you can imply health and wellbeing through education in order to encourage children to push themselves and thrive.

From my perspective of when pupils from a primary school came to visit and experience our wellbeing workshops, it was encouraging to see them all being engaged and enjoying helping each other and working together. In our wellbeing workshop, we organised a mindfulness activity where we used instruments such as drums to create mindfulness music. The children thoroughly enjoyed the activities, and it gave them perspective of being calm and explaining how it felt to be in a peaceful piece of mind creating mindfulness music and how the rhythm made them feel relaxed and proud to be a part of something so magical and creative. It was an enjoyable and fun workshop for all who were involved.

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Bibliography

Bowling, A. (2011). Do older and younger people differ in their reported wellbeing?  Oxford University: London

Donaldson, G. (2015). Successful futures: Independent review of curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales. Welsh Government.

Gutman, L. & Vorhaus, J., (2012). The Impact of Pupil Behaviour and Wellbeing on Educational Outcomes. London: DfE.

National Assembly Wales (2018). Mind Over Matter: Well-being as an educational priority Wales, Cardiff Bay

National Children’s Bureau (2018). Health and Wellbeing Available at: https://www.ncb.org.uk/what-we-do/our-priorities/health-and-well-being Accessed: 06 December 18

Nidirect (2018). Pupils emotional health and wellbeing. Available: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/pupils-emotional-health-and-wellbeing Accessed: 07 December 18

Public Health England (2013). How healthy behaviour supports children’s wellbeing. Wellington House, London.

Public Health England (2014). The link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment. Wellington House, London.

The Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project (2008). Final Report – Executive Summary. The Government Office for Science, London.