Features

A Unique Child: Nutrition - The chef at the heart

A knowledgeable nursery chef is a vital ingredient in the early years mix, says Snapdragons’ Mary Llewellin

There has never been more evidence or conversation about the importance of a healthy diet for young children. With childhood obesity now affecting nearly a third of the UK’s two- to seven-year-olds and children being admitted to hospital in alarming numbers for multiple tooth extractions, we are clearly facing an uphill battle in turning the evidence and conversation into positive change.

One area where the authorities have a certain element of influence over children’s diets is in the provision of school meals, and the last government appointed Henry Dimbleby, the founder of the upmarket fast-food restaurant Leon, to investigate the challenges faced by schools in their efforts to provide good nutrition. This led to the formation of the School Food Plan, which has done great work providing support resources and celebrating school successes in raising the standard of school meals around the country.

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