Community Dietitians provide information and support to staff and parents who work in an early years environment. We work closely with Childrens services and education departments as well as Local Childcare Partnership members.
Community Dietitians provide training to groups of staff on the nutritional requirements of infants from first tastes at six months old to managing a healthy balanced diet for a pre school child.

Resources, which provide clear practical dietary information, have been developed in partnership with local councils and care provider groups. Eating For Health Nutritional Guidelines For the Early Years and Snackativity (snack guidelines and food activities for children aged 3 years or more) are two examples which can be accessed by contacting Community Dietitians.

For further information contact Lesley Hetherington (Senior Community Dietitian).

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Snacka'tivity Cover

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Snacka'tivity

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Recipes

Snacka'tivity

Snackativity is a resource which comes in two distinct parts. There are snack guidelines and ten food preparation activities suitable for young children. The food preparation activities have been called Ten Tantalizing Treats for Tiny Tums.

The purpose of the Snack Guidelines is to provide managers, other staff working in early year establishments, with ideas on healthy food which are suitable at snack time as well as provide information on how to promote a positive eating experience within their setting.

The Ten Tantalizing Treats for Tiny Tums were developed to promote healthy eating by involving young children in food preparation activities. The food selected for the activities are 'healthy', with emphasis on low sugar for good oral health, in addition, care was taken over the amount of salty and fatty food included.

All of the activities involve using fruit or vegetables (mainly salad vegetables), combined with a starchy food such as cracker type biscuits, bread, or a low sugar cereal. Dairy products e.g. yoghurt, milk and cheese also feature regularly, thereby promoting calcium rich foods necessary for good bone health.

There is no cooking involved however the activities have been produced to promote the following:

• Fine motor skills
• Self confidence
• Familiarity around healthy food
• Language and numeracy

Ten Tantalizing Treats for Tiny Tums offers an excellent play and learning opportunity within a pre-school setting. The activities have been designed to link with the key aspects of the Curriculum Framework for Children Aged 3 to 5; in fact all of the activities involve children working independently preparing food, only with adult supervision where potentially dangerous kitchen utensils are used. The activities can be photocopied for parents to do with their child at home.

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Nutritional guidance for early years: ... Food Choices for children aged 1 - 5 years in early education and childcare settings - A consultation document

'A Consultation Document - Nutritional Guidance For Early Years: Food Choices for Children aged 1-5 years in early education and childcare settings. It is intended to support early years providers, such as nurseries and playgroups by giving practical advice on food choices and menu planning.'

Useful Links

Caring for Kids

Falkirk Childcare Information Service

Healthy Start

Healthy Start is the Department of Health's new scheme to help pregnant women and children under 4 in low income families eat healthily.  Healthy Start replaces the welfare scheme. This site has details about the scheme, how to apply for vouchers and there is a postcode search engine which can help locate shops in your area which accept these vouchers.  There are general food and health tips, weaning recipes, a frequently asked questions area and information for Health Professionals and Retailers.

Nutrition Explorations

Nutrition Explorations: "Family Food Zone and Nutrition Explorations have been merged into an expanded and redesigned Nutrition Explorations. You'll find the same great nutrition information and features in the parents and kids sections of the new site." 

Starting Well

Starting Well: "Following the introduction of the Child Health National Demonstration Project 'Starting Well', an Early Years National Learning Network is currently being developed."