World Health Day

Celebrating World Health Day – Growing Healthy Habits from the Very Start

Every year on 7th April, World Health Day invites us all to pause and reflect on how we care for our health, both as individuals and as a community. This year’s theme continues to highlight the importance of creating environments where health and wellbeing are protected and nurtured from the very beginning.

At The Early Years Academy, we believe lifelong healthy habits begin in childhood, and that a child’s early environment plays a crucial role in shaping their approach to food, exercise, emotional wellbeing, and self-care.

🍎 Nourishing Bodies and Minds

From the very first weaning stage to preschool mealtimes, children in our care are introduced to a balanced, wholesome diet. Mealtimes are about more than food—they’re moments of learning, socialising, and building positive attitudes towards nutrition.

We work closely with families to accommodate dietary requirements while encouraging children to try new flavours and textures. Our in-house Baking Academy also plays a key role here, helping children understand ingredients, take part in simple food preparation, and develop early cooking skills—all while having fun.

🌿 Daily Movement, Indoors and Out

We don’t just talk about active lifestyles—we live them. Across all our settings in Ibstock, Loughborough, Shrewsbury and Derby, we prioritise movement and outdoor play as vital parts of the daily routine. Children head outside in all weathers, whether to tend to the garden, play imaginative games, or explore nature in our Forest School Academy. These outdoor sessions support physical development, resilience, and mental health.

We also integrate movement indoors through music, dance, yoga, and play-based motor skills development. These activities not only build strength and coordination but also help children regulate their emotions and build confidence in their own bodies.

🧠 Supporting Emotional Health from the Start

Healthy living isn’t just about food and exercise—it’s also about emotional wellbeing. Our approach is rooted in fostering secure attachments, celebrating individuality, and teaching children how to understand and express their feelings.

Our team is trained to model and support mindfulness, calm communication, and emotional literacy. Whether it's a quiet storytime, a one-to-one cuddle after a busy play session, or talking through big feelings, children are gently guided to feel safe, seen, and supported.

We also offer initiatives like the Intergenerational Academy, where children spend time with elderly members of the community. These connections nurture empathy, build a sense of belonging, and support emotional development in a wonderfully human way.

🏥 Building Awareness and Life Skills

Children at The Early Years Academy are naturally curious—and we build on that by teaching age-appropriate health knowledge in a fun and accessible way. From learning about handwashing and brushing teeth, to understanding the importance of rest and hydration, we embed health education into everyday moments.

As part of our School Readiness Programme, we also help older children develop the routines and independence that will support a healthy transition to primary school—from using the toilet confidently to understanding the importance of sleep.

Ready To Experience The EYA For Yourself?

Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.