Children’s food preferences and eating habits are formed early in life with consequences for a range of health and development outcomes in later life. It is therefore important that the food offered in early years and school settings provides appropriate amounts of energy and nutrients and encourages the development of healthy eating habits in young children, both to support appropriate growth and development, and as part of national priorities to reduce childhood obesity and ensure every child has the best start in life.

Early years foundation stage statutory framework

Where children are provided with meals, snacks, and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.  Fresh drinking water must always be available and accessible to children. 

Example menus for early years settings in England: part 1 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Example menus for early years settings in England: part 2 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Schools

Consider the following:

• How do children gain knowledge of how to keep themselves healthy
• How do children make informed choices about healthy eating, and fitness
• What steps have you taken to ensure there is a whole school approach to healthy eating?
• Who is responsible on the senior management team and governing body for healthy food provision and food education?
• How do you know food is tasty and meets the food standards across the whole day?
• What advice is provided for those who choose not to take a school lunch, for example, a healthy packed lunch policy?
• How do you measure progress of children’s knowledge and skills about healthy eating?
• How do you make learning about healthy eating, including nutrition advice and practical cooking, possible for all students and across subjects?
• How does the school link healthy eating within the wider personal development, behaviour and welfare judgment?
• What continuing professional development (CPD) and training is in place for all teachers and support staff to support their knowledge of health and wellbeing?