Nursery World - A Unique Child Nutrition: Get cooking

The oils found in mackerel are 'long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids', which are sadly lacking in modern-day diets. The nutritional benefits to children in eating these Omega 3 oils are immense.

Some studies suggest that these oils can bring improvements in children's behaviour and learning, as well as benefiting their general growth and development, in particular of the heart and brain.

Using tinned mackerel, instead of fresh, is obviously more convenient for nurseries but, importantly, there is minimal (if any) nutritional difference between the two.

The mackerel recipe below provides a superbly nutritious helping of oily fish to the children, in a hidden form. We use it regularly at Tall Trees to feed children ranging from the babies to four-year-olds.

The dish is very popular, and it gives us great satisfaction to watch the children wolfing down mackerel - something they probably wouldn't do if they could see the fish. We also get great feedback from parents who are delighted that their children are eating oily fish.

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