New Nutrition Guidelines published 

for Pre-School Children

This week, the School Food Trust has published guidelines on what foods young children should eat.

The guidelines have been introduced as a result of an independent report in 2010, which flagged demand for clearer guidance from childcare providers and parents.

The report highlighted the growing concern, that a fifth of children are either overweight or obese before they start school.  With Type 2 diabetes on the increase and dental health in young children deteriorating, the School Food Trust advocates that healthy eating before the age of five is essential.   

The voluntary guidelines, which are aimed particularly at nurseries, childminders and other providers of service for preschoolers, is an attempt to educate adults on healthy eating habits for young children in order to help reduce childhood obesity.

The guidelines include recommendations on the types of food to offer young children, portion sizes, sample menus as well as advice on tackling fussy eating and involving children in food and cooking activities.   

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said: “Healthy eating is at the heart of helping every child get the best start in life”. 

As such, the new guidelines illustrate the importance of a varied diet for the under-fives, one which is rich in fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre, and how to avoid too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.

The School Food Trust said; “Children start learning about food at a very early age. The messages they receive during this time lay the foundations for the choices they make about food as they move up to school and beyond”.

To download the Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines For Early Years Setting in England – Practical Guide please click here.