At Britannica EYFS, we believe that children’s wellbeing is at the heart of their learning and development. When children feel happy, safe, rested, and connected, they are better able to learn, explore, and thrive. This week we celebrated Wellbeing Week, a special opportunity to focus on the habits and skills that will support our children’s physical, emotional, and social health, not just now, but as they grow.
One of our focuses was the importance of rest. Sleep is vital for young children aged 2–5, as it supports brain development, memory, concentration, and overall health. When children go to bed early and enjoy a good night’s sleep, they are more ready to learn, more able to regulate their emotions, and have the energy they need to explore the world around them.
We introduced the children to mindfulness. In a busy world, even our youngest learners can feel overwhelmed. Through breathing exercises, mindful colouring, and quiet moments, the children learnt how slowing down helps them to feel calm, centred, and in control of their feelings. These are skills they can carry with them through school and beyond.
Movement was another important part of our week. Physical activity is not only key for building strong, healthy bodies but also for supporting emotional wellbeing. Yoga, stretching, and fun games with the PE team encouraged the children to enjoy being active, reminding them that moving our bodies is not a chore but a joyful and energising experience. Developing this positive relationship with physical activity at a young age helps children to see it as something they want to continue throughout their lives.
We explored the theme of connections. Strong relationships are central to children’s wellbeing. By sharing stories about family and friends, talking about kindness, and making a paper chain to show how we are all linked together in our school community, the children were able to recognise the value of belonging and the joy of being part of a supportive group.
Finally, we reflected on everything we had experienced during the week. Reflection encourages children to think about what makes them feel happy, what they enjoy, and what helps them feel calm and safe. Our Reflection Tree, decorated with each child’s leaf, became a celebration of their individual voices and a reminder of the many positive moments we shared.
In Pre-Nursery, our youngest learners joined the whole school in celebrating Global Wellness Week. They explored the importance of healthy sleep through songs and stories, tried children’s yoga with poses like the boat and snake, and enjoyed a community breakfast together on the field. Outdoor learning in the Eco Garden gave them the chance to collect natural materials and ask thoughtful questions as they explored.
In Nursery, the children focused on the importance of kindness and community. Together they read The More We Get Together, a story that highlights the power of friendship and inclusion. This led to wonderful discussions about how we can work together to help one another and ensure everyone feels part of our classroom community. In addition to this, Nursery explored early maths skills by learning about size ordering and comparing objects. The children enjoyed using new vocabulary such as “bigger,” “smaller,” and “in between” while sorting and comparing.
In Reception, the children enjoyed a wholesome week of thinking about how to care for themselves and others. They reflected on what makes their bodies and minds feel good and explored the activities they enjoy most to create these positive feelings. Breathing exercises, mindful colouring, and the community breakfast were highlights. Reception also enjoyed stories such as Pip and Egg and Beegu, which opened thoughtful discussions about the importance of friendship, valuing others, and accepting people for who they are. As the week ended, the children reflected on what makes them feel good and what is healthy for their bodies and minds. In maths, they explored amounts, comparing “bigger” and “smaller,” and ordering numbers.
Overall, it has been a week filled with wellness, creativity, physical fitness, and community engagement. We are proud of how our children embraced the spirit of Wellbeing Week and look forward to seeing these lessons carried into their everyday lives, both in school and at home.
Sioned Jones
Head of Early Years
