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Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

Did you note any of the following?

• Helping children to wash and dress

• Preparing meals

• Taking the children out – e.g. to the park

• Reading a story with them

• Changing nappies.

How providing the basic needs of young children supports
their development

It is important that children’s basics need are met so that they are able to grow and
develop in line with the key developmental areas. In Section 1, you learned about how
children follow a pattern, or sequence, of development. Here are some examples of
the links between young children’s basic needs and key areas of development.

Nutrition and routine

Being well cared for and fed ensures children are healthy, and can thrive and grow in
line with the different stages of physical development.

Rest, sleep and a healthy diet helps children’s physical growth and development, and
gives them energy for running and playing. A healthy diet is also important for good
muscle and brain development.

Comfort and reassurance

It is important that children can trust their carers and other adults, so that they
can build relationships and make friends. This helps them to develop social skills
– to share and take turns when playing with others. This supports children’s social
development.

Caring and loving relationships also help children to become more confident and
independent. A caring adult will help children to understand boundaries and reassure
them when trying new things. This supports their emotional development.

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