Dayna Brackley authors article for Early Years Educator discussing recent research with FixOurFood.
Our Partner, Dayna, has written an article for NurseryWorld’s Early Years Educator magazine discussing our research with FixOurFood and the University of York’s Professor Maria Bryant. This study investigated the challenges of food procurement in Yorkshire, where we gathered insights from the diverse set of stakeholders involved in the process of food provision in early years settings, including staff, caterers, local authorities, and national government.
The findings highlight the complexity of food provision across early years settings, with each adopting a unique approach. This variability, combined with a lack of consistent data on food quality and quantity, made it difficult to map the nutritional landscape across the region.
Here are the four recommendations made by this study, as written in Dayna’s article:
1. Early years nutrition should be a political priority
The Government and local authorities must prioritise nutrition in early years settings, recognising it as a fundamental part of child development.
2. Dedicated funding for nutrition
The Government should establish a specific funding stream to support nutrition in early years settings, enabling high-quality meals without financial strain.
3. Improved regulation and accountability
Ofsted should adopt a more regulated approach to monitoring early years nutrition and enforcing adherence to nutritional guidelines, ensuring consistent standards.
4. Training for early years professionals
The Government and local authorities should offer robust nutrition training for early years professionals, equipping staff with the knowledge to provide balanced, nutritious meals supporting children’s growth.
To read the full article and find out more about the urgent need to prioritise nutrition in the early years, click here.