Physical and Physiological Needs of a Child

2047 Words9 Pages
A need can be defined as something that is essential or very important and not just something that is merely desirable. According to The World Health Organisation (WHO) (MCI undated b pp1), it is not just the absence of disease that constitutes a healthy child, but it takes a more holistic approach in defining a child’s health in that incorporates the physical, emotional and social well-being as well. A child like any other organism, adult or infant, has certain needs and this essay aims to explain these necessities that a 3 year old has to develop in a healthy fashion and we’ll also see how a nursery or a play setting should be designed such that it nurtures a child’s needs and how they should conform to the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. “A physical need is something that is necessary for organisms to live a healthy and productive life. They are differentiated with wants because lack of them would cause a negative outcome, such as death or dysfunction” (IAC Search & Media, 2014). Basic physical needs of a child comprise of a nutritious balanced diet, appropriate clothing and shelter with particular care given to clean fresh air, warmth and providing a safe environment. A child’s extended physical needs range from exercise, rest and proper sleep, to hygiene (MCI undated b pp2). Page numbers are only needed for quotes. Along with the core requirements mentioned above, at the age of 3, children would still be relative novices in the field of gross and fine motor skills and speech. Thus, children at this age need to be given opportunities that allow them to further hone these abilities like group play and other outdoor activities. Children observe what is in their surroundings and tend to understand and improvise their learning skills. An increasing number of parents are entrusting their children to carers and it is therefore their
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