Day 5: Safety, Health, Wellbeing, and Wellness

My fifth day was centered on promoting children’s safety, health, and well-being. I participated in daily health checks, ensured hygiene practices like handwashing were followed, and supported children during mealtimes. I also observed how emotional well-being was nurtured through calm routines, responsive interactions, and emotional coaching. I began to develop a sense of responsibility for safeguarding children.

This page outlines the practices and procedures I implement to ensure the safety, health, well-being, and overall wellness of the children in my care at my childcare.

Ensuring Children's Safety

In my placement, I prioritize ensuring children's safety by following both the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the service's child protection policies. Here’s how I approach safety on a daily basis:

  1. Supervision and Awareness:
    I make sure that I’m always actively supervising children, especially during playtime or transitions. Whether it’s during outdoor play or inside activities, I ensure that children are always within sight and that I’m close enough to intervene if needed. I maintain a clear awareness of the children’s movements and interactions to prevent accidents (Department of Education, 2022).

  2. Risk Assessment:
    Before setting up any activities or play spaces, I conduct a risk assessment to ensure everything is safe. For example, when setting up outdoor play equipment, I check for any hazards, such as sharp objects or unstable surfaces, and ensure the environment is safe for the children to explore freely (Department of Education, 2022).

Health and Hygiene Practices

 

  • Handwashing Protocols:
    I ensure that all children wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing with shared toys. I supervise younger children to make sure they wash their hands thoroughly, using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. I also model proper handwashing for the children to encourage them to develop good hygiene habits.

  • Sanitizing Surfaces and Toys:
    After each activity, I clean and sanitize surfaces and toys that children have used. This is especially important during mealtimes or when children play with materials that could easily transfer germs. I use child-safe, non-toxic cleaning products and ensure that the play areas are free of any dirt or harmful substances.

 

 

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

 

  • Building Positive Relationships with Children:
    I develop strong, trusting relationships with the children by being warm, approachable, and responsive to their needs. I always greet the children with a smile and engage with them on their level, using positive language and offering encouragement. I listen to them attentively and validate their feelings when they express themselves.

  • Encouraging Emotional Expression:
    I encourage children to express their feelings and emotions, whether through words, body language, or creative activities like drawing. I let them know that it's okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated and help them find appropriate ways to express those emotions. I often model emotional language by saying things like, "I can see you're feeling upset. It's okay to be upset. Let’s take some deep breaths together."

 

 

Activity

 

✋🎨 Activity: “Helping Hands for Health and Wellbeing”

Age Group: 3–5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Setting: Indoor – art table or group mat area

Activity Description:

Each child chooses a coloured piece of paper and places their hand flat on it. They then trace around their hand using a pencil or crayon. After tracing, they decorate their hand with drawings or stickers that represent ways they care for themselves and others — for example:

  • Washing hands 🧼

  • Eating healthy foods 🍎

  • Brushing teeth 🦷

  • Having a rest 😴

  • Talking about feelings 😊😢

I guide the children by asking:

  • “What are some things your hands help you do to stay healthy?”

  • “How do we look after ourselves when we’re feeling sad or tired?”

  • “Can your hands help a friend?”

Children’s completed handprints are added to a “Healthy Helping Hands Wall” in the room as a visual reminder of safe, healthy habits and emotional care.

Learning Intentions:

  • To promote awareness of personal hygiene and self-care.

  • To encourage children to reflect on how they care for their emotional and physical health.

  • To build a sense of belonging and contribution to a safe, supportive community.

Links to the National Quality Standard (NQS):

  • Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety: Encourages healthy lifestyle habits and safe practices through creative expression.

  • Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children: Supports children’s agency, emotions, and relationship-building through shared reflection and discussion.

Links to EYLF Outcomes:

  • Outcome 3.1: Children become strong in their social and emotional well-being.

  • Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being.

  • Outcome 1.1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported.

Reflection:

"This activity gave children the opportunity to reflect on their own health and emotional needs while using creativity. As they decorated their hands, I engaged them in meaningful conversations about how they stay healthy and how they can support each other. It also allowed me to observe their understanding of hygiene and emotional literacy, helping me plan future experiences that support their well-being."

 

Want to learn more about my childcare practices?

Get in touch to discuss how I prioritize safety, health, wellbeing, and wellness in my childcare portfolio in Sydney.