Early years settings approach to keeping children healthy

Under the new common inspection framework, Ofsted are looking very closely as to how early years setting are supporting children in helping them stay healthy. This new approach was introduced last month and it is advised that childcare providers are made aware of this. In the new common inspection framework it mentions how early years settings must demonstrate their approach to providing a well balanced diet, and their learning intentions in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

During an inspection Ofsted will be looking to see how young children are learning about how to keep themselves healthy, this can be done through eating and exercising. The inspector may also examine the settings menu to see if the children are being provided with a balanced diet. The food preparation area may also be inspected to identity where the food is being prepared.

This new emphasis is part of the new judgement on ‘Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare, an Ofsted inspector will need to see evidence of how the early years setting is encouraging physical exercise and the promotion of healthy eating. To help make a judgement inspectors will look at what is offered to children, they will observe mealtimes and speak to managers about how they supporting children in developing healthy lifestyle. Inspectors are now keen to see how the curriculum is being used to its full advantage and the balance of what is being offered to children. Practical cookery is now see as a crucial part of the curriculum as it covers many aspects of helping children develop healthy lifestyles.

So what can early years settings expect to happen during an inspection?

Ofsted have not made it very clear as to how they will inspect early years settings under the new inspection framework, it has been advised that Ofsted will want to see evidence as to how practitioners engage parents in discussion about the importance of healthy diets. To extend this further Ofsted are keen to see how settings link with other agencies on getting nutrition information. There will certainly be more focus from Ofsted on the how early years settings encourage knowledge of healthy eating and how this in implemented in practice.

It is advised that nursery managers should familiarise themselves with the Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Settings. Managers should also talk about where they obtain their food from eg fresh, seasonal, local from greengrocers and even organic. If the settings has any awards relating to food these are a great way to demonstrate the settings approach.

It is important to look at the environment in which children are eating their meals, as inspectors will observe the atmosphere during mealtimes. Is the environment calm and inviting? Are children being provided with fun learning opportunities? Are their opportunities to extend children’s learning?

Here are a few ideas of how to create a rich learning environment

• Play calm music during mealtimes
• Have images or pictures displayed that represent healthy lifestyles
• Decorate the room eg tablecloths, place mats made by the children
• Encourage practitioners to eat with the children
• Support children in using cutlery
• Model positive behaviour
• Incorporate food related activities during mealtimes

During everyday practice look at how management and practitioners are talking about food and healthy eating with the children and is there opportunities for you to extend these learning opportunities further such as involving both your nursery cook and parents about healthy eating and developing a food policy together. Does your nursery cook deliver cooking sessions with the children? This can be a great opportunity for your chef to share their knowledge and role model good practice.

Other ways early year’s settings can support children in keeping healthy

• Ensure planning allows children the opportunity to learn where food comes from
• Develop a growing area in your garden where children can visit and use the food in cooking activities,
• Visit local farms and supermarkets- this can help children learn about food production
• Contact food companies to see if they provide resources etc
• Join in events throughout the year to help children learn where food comes from- such as National Children’s Food Festival.
• Ensure that practitioners have up to date knowledge on healthy eating- update training such as basic food hygiene.
• If possible offer staff meals to eat with the children

It is recommended that managers regularly review their food provision; this will help to ensure standards are being met and practitioner’s knowledge is current. A review can be done either by asking parents, looking at food wastage, analysing food menus from other settings and for best practice review current Ofsted reports from similar settings to find out what inspectors have observed during recent inspections.