ABSTRACT
In recent years it has become increasingly evident that agencies need to develop in their ability to work together, with the term ‘partnership’ becoming one of the key words of the current government (Department of Health 1998). Hall (1996) makes it clear that the issue of improving child health is not simply the concern of health care professionals, in fact it is suggested that all people working with young children should be aware of their health needs, being equipped to offer support and advice relating to child development, behaviour and nutrition. In order to explore the role of the early years practitioner in promoting child health it is necessary to first consider some of the definitions of health and the factors that influence a child's health during the early years. Two case studies will be used to illustrate the discussion.
