Settings can have a powerful role in supporting children and young people to eat well. They can provide children and young people with education on why we need to make healthy food choices. Settings can set a good example in the food available on their premises. This makes an invaluable difference to children’s understanding and can influence the choices they make.
The least affluent children are most adversely affected. We know obesity increases the chances of a range of long term health conditions including heart disease and diabetes Type 2. It impacts on self esteem and mental health. Helping children and young people understand how to eat healthily and establish healthy habits can help them lead healthier, happier lives.
Childhood obesity rates at an all time high. Around 1 in 10 British 5 year olds are now obese, rising to 1 in 5 by age 11.
(NHS Digital, 2021)
Low levels of physical activity, and increased sedentary behaviours among children and young people, exacerbate the problems of poor diet and nutrition. Data across local areas in England shows only 18% of children and young people aged 5 to 16 years reported taking part in physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day.
Supporting Long Term Change
Children and young people need help to understand the importance of eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions to help maintain a healthy body.
The key messages are;
Most people in the UK eat and drink too many calories, too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, and not enough fruit, vegetables, oily fish or fibre.
Children, young people and their families need support to move away from routinely choosing foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugar. Consistent messages on healthy eating by settings can help young people establish healthier eating habits.
In Professional Settings
Reception Year Resources
Downloadable Resources
E-Learning
'All Our Health' offer free, bite-sized e-learning sessions - to improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of health and care professionals in preventing illness, protecting health and promoting wellbeing. The sessions cover some of the biggest issues in public health including;
They contain signposting to trusted sources of helpful evidence, guidance and support to help professionals embed prevention in their everyday practice.
Key Stage 1 Resources
Inspiration for the Whole School
English Resources
Maths Resources
Science Resources
Additional Resources
E-Learning
'All Our Health' offer free, bite-sized e-learning sessions - to improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of health and care professionals in preventing illness, protecting health and promoting wellbeing. The sessions cover some of the biggest issues in public health including;
They contain signposting to trusted sources of helpful evidence, guidance and support to help professionals embed prevention in their everyday practice.
Key Stage 2 Resources
Inspiration for the Whole School
English Resources
Maths Resources
Science Resources
E-Learning
'All Our Health' offer free, bite-sized e-learning sessions - to improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of health and care professionals in preventing illness, protecting health and promoting wellbeing. The sessions cover some of the biggest issues in public health including;
They contain signposting to trusted sources of helpful evidence, guidance and support to help professionals embed prevention in their everyday practice.
Nuffield Health
School Wellbeing Activity Programme (SWAP) - free 6 week programme of evidence based lessons delivered in six one hour sessions. The programme is aimed at children aged 9-12 years old but can be adapted for other school age children. The four key themes are:
Additional Resources
Support For Families
