ABSTRACT
This chapter considers what being healthy is, exploring where responsibility lies in relation to children being supported to be healthy. It outlines examples from practice to demonstrate the importance of considering children's holistic wellbeing, particularly in relation to keeping them safe from harm. The chapter discusses some of the potential consequences when children are not given the opportunity to achieve optimum health and wellbeing. It offers an opportunity for reflection and discussion on how practitioners can identify opportunities to offer early intervention and support. It seeks to explore current perspectives on health and wellbeing in contemporary society, and outlines the changing political and social context and how this is shaping early years practice. Early years practitioners and members of the children's workforce have a vital role to play, working together in partnership with parents to help children to achieve their full potential.
