Experts call for clearer nutritional guidance for childcare providers

3 March 2011 1 min read Janaki Mahadevan Early Years Childminding Nurseries Health Public Health

Childcare providers and parents need clearer guidance on what under-fives should eat and drink while in childcare, according to the government-commissioned Advisory Panel on Food and Nutrition in Early Years.

The panel’s report Laying the Table found significant demand for a national source of practical guidance that all childcare providers can choose to follow, to help give children the right portion sizes and types of food and give parents a national benchmark.

The review findings come after latest figures from the National Child Measurement Programme revealed almost a quarter of children are overweight or obese by the time they start school.

Panel chair consultant paediatrician Dr Anthony Williams said: "The message from childcare providers is clear. They want to feed children well and know that it’s vital to start healthy eating habits early, but at the moment they have no clear advice on how to achieve this in practice.

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