Creating a vibrant food culture in the nursery is all about enjoying food, developing a real understanding of how healthy eating links to wellbeing, and having the confidence to try out new ideas.
This is where Squash Nutrition comes in. Its Creative Nutrition CPD course aims to support all of these areas, providing a practical lead on how nurseries can promote improved nutrition and sustainability in their settings. Those who have attended the course say it is a thoroughly enjoyable day, providing practical help and inspiration in the kitchen and beyond.
The Liverpool-based organisation, whose members include nutritionalists, horticulturalists, early years and child practitioners, youth workers, artists and writers, says it has a wealth of creative expertise to offer. Its training and social health projects centre on the culture of good food and wellbeing, and its wider links to the community and environment.
Creative Nutrition provides seven hours of hands-on activities and discussion. The agenda includes cooking ideas, practical activities, easy recipes and container growing. It goes deeper into the culture of food by looking at roles and responsibilities when working towards a health and wellbeing agenda and focusing on personal food practices. Squash also provides Urban Food Field Studies, with examples of good practice from innovative public health projects.
A focus on the season's 'must haves' makes links between health and the environment, with advice on what to eat, grow and explore at particular times of the year.
Angelica Varnasse at Squash says, 'Participants say this course has made them more confident in their abilities to try out new and healthy food activities in their settings, and with families. They go away saying they can't wait to get started on new plans with their teams.
'There are also resources, recipes and reading lists to take away, and the day includes a seasonal lunch with fresh juices, coffee, teas and healthy snacks. Our next session (20 October) takes place at the John Archer Hall in the centre of Liverpool, where participants can visit our wildflower roof-top space and see our bees in action.'
Squash Nutrition has been shortlisted for a Nursery World Award 2011.
Tel: 0151 7077897
