Cornwall Council has introduced the Healthy Under 5s Framework to support young children's development. The initiative helps nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and school reception classes across Cornwall embed healthy habits in children under the age of five.
From today, 8th September 2026, every Early Years setting will have access to the framework. It includes training and practical resources designed to create healthier environments and embed good practices.
The framework builds on the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework by offering practical steps in eight key areas of children's health and wellbeing. These areas are food and nutrition, oral health, physical activity, sleep, emotional health and wellbeing, infection control, illness and accident prevention, community, environment and responsibility, and toilet training.
Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: "Healthy habits learned in the earliest years can stay with children throughout their lives. This new Healthy Under 5s Framework will give our Early Years settings practical support to make those habits part of everyday life, helping to give every child the healthiest possible start.”
Cllr Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, added: "Early Years providers play a vital role in supporting children’s development, and this framework recognises the fantastic work already taking place across Cornwall. By bringing together guidance on key aspects of health and wellbeing, the Healthy Under 5s Framework will help settings build on best practice and ensure children have the foundations they need to thrive, both now and in the future.”
Healthy Under 5s Framework Launched in Cornwall