Children in Scotland holds conference on young children, food and eating.

The Scottish Executive's publication of their consultation paperImproving the Health and Nutrition of Scotland's Children is the latestinitiative in a drive to transform the quality of food available inschools.

Children in Scotland's upcoming conference, An Appetite for Life? Youngchildren, food and eating, which will be held in Dunfermline on 25August, will look at the social dimension of eating and enjoying food,and the cultural and nutritional importance of eating for children. Itwill consider how young children can be helped to understand and enjoyfood and eating; whether children should be more involved in theplanning and preparation of food; and whether EU legislation will helpor hinder this process. - www.childreninscotland.org.uk/eur

Keeping Us Safe: report from Children in Wales

The report of an independent review set up by the First Minister forWales in 2005 was launched on 3 May. Children in Wales was activelyinvolved in the work by contributing evidence and supporting theindependent adviser to the chair of the review.

The report emphasises the many positive things that have been achievedfor children. However, it criticises patchy services, poor co-ordinationand implementation, unreliable funding and too many initiatives. Theconclusions are in the form of seven challenges, which are inter-relatedand aimed at politicians, the media, professionals and managers. -Access the report at www.childreninwales.org.uk or to order one from theWelsh Assembly Government call 029 2082 5516

- NCB (England and Northern Ireland) works in partnership with Childrenin Scotland and Children in Wales. For further information visitwww.childreninscotland.org.uk (0131 228 8484) orwww.childreninwales.org.uk (029 2034 2434).