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Ofsted publishes 'Food for thought: A survey of healthy eating in registered daycare'

29 Mar 2006

Ofsted child care inspectors have conducted a short survey on healthy eating in 110 child care settings around England, including creches, nurseries, childminders and before and after-school clubs.

Ofsted found that most providers place a strong emphasis on home cooked nutritious food using fresh ingredients and low levels of salt, sugar and fat.

Food for Thought also highlighted that many childcare providers, notably pre-schools, are encouraging children to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as opposed to unhealthy snacks such as biscuits. The best providers communicate with children and their parents in understanding their individual likes and dislikes, and with assistance from the parent, children are encouraged to try new foods.

Thanks to a good knowledge of healthy eating and a proactive approach to providing nutritious meals, 74% of the childminders and 65% of the daycare providers inspected for this survey were judged as good or outstanding with regard to providing a healthy diet.

No childminders, and only 4% of daycare providers, were judged inadequate. Only a small minority continue to offer sweets, crisps and biscuits.

Ofsted's Director of Early Years, Dorian Bradley, said today:

"So much has been said over the last year about school meals, but few people have talked about the food that younger children are given to eat. I'm pleased to say the picture looks rosy. Childcarers, in the main, have embraced the concept of healthy eating and the wider benefits gained from it."

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