The advice coincides with the Government's public health white paper that proposes introducing clearer nutritional labelling on packaged food and voluntary controls on 'junk food' advertising aimed at children.
PLA chief executive Steve Alexander said, 'The Government has highlighted the issue of obesity in children, but our experience tells us that there is a huge gap in reliable information for parents and early years workers on food and nutrition for the under-fives. The Alliance has been working hard to answer this need, and with the influence of the public health white paper we expect to make a tangible difference.
'It is important to make sure that we provide a practical resource for nurseries, pre-schools, and parents, so they can influence children's diets at an early age.'
The guidelines, written in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, are part of the Changing Lives, Changing Life campaign which aims to provide practical help and support for pre-schools and parents of under fives.
The campaign will provide:
* New guidelines for food provision in pre-school settings, including different cultural and dietary requirements
* Recipe cards, a pre-school cookbook and tips on healthy eating for parents
* Hands-on training programmes on food and nutrition for pre-school leaders, workers and volunteers
* An award scheme for pre-school settings to recognise balanced healthy menus
* A website for children, parents and practitioners offering information, recipes and questions and answers from nutritional experts.
Further information on the PLA Changing Lives, Changing Life campaign is available at www.pre-school.org.uk.
* See the public health strategy feature on page 22
