Nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet for young children

• Early Yeas
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet for young children

2.1a 0-6months

2.1b 6months-1 year

2.1c 1 year-4 years

2.1d 5 years and over

Criteria for

2.1a 0-6months

2.1b 6months-1 year

2.1c 1 year-4 years

2.1d 5 years and over

Why is a healthy diet important for young children?

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What type of food/drink is offered in settings?

How does a diet differ for children aged 0-1 years?

Children aged 0-1years

-Breast milk or formula only until 6 months

-Weaning begins at 6months

-Pureed fruits and vegetables

-Mashed foods

-Ensure no choking hazards

Children aged 0-1 years

Infants’ nutritional needs are critical for their growth, development, and overall health. During this stage, proper nutrition supports brain development, immune function, and physical growth. 

1. Breastfeeding (Exclusive for the First 6 Months)

Ideal Source of Nutrition: Breast milk is the most recommended and nutritionally complete food for babies during the first 6 months.

Benefits: 

Provides the right balance of nutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals).

Strengthens the immune system with antibodies, reducing the risk of infections.

Encourages bonding through physical closeness.

May protect against chronic conditions later in life (e.g., obesity, diabetes).

Children aged 1-2

-NO more formula

-Full-fat cheese, yoghurt, whole milk and fromage frais are recommended up to the age of 2.

-3 meals per day with 2 snacks

-Small portions and cut appropriately

Feeding children aged 1-5+ years

Eatwell plate

Simple guide to help us understand how to provide a healthy diet

Varied diet keeps children strong and healthy

Eatwell guide

The Eatwell Guide shows the different types of foods and drinks we should consume – and in what proportions – to have a healthy balanced diet:

Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day

Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates; choosing higher fibre wholegrain versions where possible

Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks); choosing lower fat and lower sugar options

Eatwell guide continued

Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)

Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and eat in small amounts

Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of fluid a day

If consuming foods and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar have these less often and in small amount

Did you have breakfast this morning?

Yes

No

Name one healthy item you had today

Let's get to work

Work in groups to complete menu template for children

3 menus

Benefits of healthy diet in more detail

Water: Boys and Girls between 4-8 years: between 1.1-1.3 litres of water daily

Keeps body hydrated which helps concentration and physical and mental wellbeing

Why are milk cheeses and yoghurts important?

Recap and questions

-Benefits of balanced diet

-5 food groups

-Importance of fluid

-Sample menus

-Complete booklet for assessment