Yes - starting early is vital. Children’s tastes and preferences for food are formed at an early age, so the sooner they start eating healthily, the better for their health as they grow up. We developed the first nationally-recognised guidelines on healthy food and drink for early years providers. Read about our Eat Better, Start Better project.
Free resources for early years settings
In January 2012 we launched the first national voluntary nutritional guidelines for early years settings, giving nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and children’s centres clear guidance on the food they serve to pre-school age children in their care.
The guidance was commissioned by the Department of Education with support from its Voluntary and Community Sector Grant and produced in consultation with National Day Nurseries Association, National Childminders Association, Pre-School Learning Alliance, 4Children, National Children’s Bureau, Daycare Trust and the Department of Health.
Download free copies of the early years guidelines and seasonal recipe books. You can also order printed copies.
Training for early years and health professionals
We’ve developed training courses to help children’s centres, nurseries and childminders to understand and meet the voluntary nutritional standards and to help families eat healthy food at home through learning to cook.
We have courses for early years and health professionals in local authorities and primary care trusts, as well as if you work with pre-school children in nurseries, pre-schools, children’s centres or as childminders. Contact us for more information.
Early years review panel
We managed an advisory panel of experts to look at food in early years settings on behalf of the Department for Education. Their report, Laying the Table. Recommendations for National Food and Nutrition Guidance for Early Years Settings in England was published in March 2011.
Find out more about the advisory panel and the findings of the report.
Case studies
“It’s been a wonderful way to engage parents, spark off healthy food discussions and learn about eating habits at home.”
Linda Baston-Pitt, Director of The Old School House Day Nursery in Suffolk
Read the full case study.
“These are really easy and simple recipes, you don’t have to be a superstar chef to get them right.”
Julia Deakin, childminder from Doncaster
Read the full case study.
