Nutrition content for early years providers: DfE

Please see message below from the Department for Education (DfE)

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework there is a requirement that states: ‘Where children are provided with meals, snacks, and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.’ Establishing healthy eating habits at a young age is important for long-term health. As early years practitioners you can help set solid foundations for children’s future health by providing them with nutritious food in your settings.  

Help for Early Years Providers has added new nutrition content including videos to help you fulfil the requirement to provide healthy, balanced and nutritious food for the children in your care.  

The content:   

• explains the importance of introducing good food habits from birth  
• includes information on the dietary requirements of babies and young children and how to plan a balanced menu   
• provides recipe cards for tasty, cost effective, nutritious recipes you can use in your settings  
• gives tips on how to introduce solid foods safely to babies  
• provides information on food safety   
• links to further reading and resources    

For more guidance on supporting children in the early years, visit the Help for Early Years Providers website.