Nourishing Our Future (NOF) is a pioneering project, researched by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the first of its kind in Essex, and one of the first nationally, exploring the food environment within private, voluntary and independent (PVI) early years settings, which make up 94% of the early years sector in Essex.
NOF celebrates the incredible commitment from early years practitioners to children’s food education and nutrition, as well as identifying significant challenges when it comes to providing healthy meals to under-fives.
Essex County Council (ECC) Public Health (commissioners of the research) recognise that early years settings hold significant potential to develop long term positive change for young children’s health and nutrition.
Context:
- Children consume up to 90% of their daily nutrient intake in early years settings, so the experiences and education provided in day nurseries, pre-schools and with childminders are vitally important for them to grow and develop healthily.
- 21.1% of children in Essex are living with obesity and overweight by the time they start reception year, rising to 32.6% by the time they reach year 6 (NCMP, 2023/24) . These trends are even higher in areas of greatest deprivation.
Aim of the Research:
The Nourishing Our Future study set out to explore the food provision, environment, experiences and perceptions towards healthy eating for children aged 1 – 5 years of age in PVI early years settings across Essex.
“The Nourishing Our Future project has shown that although there is a great deal of excellent work being done by early years practitioners across Essex, there is a need for action to improve the nutritional landscape for young children in the county, including improving children’s relationship with food, to ensure a healthier future for the next generation.”
Dr Kay Aaronricks, Head of the School of Education, Anglia Ruskin University.
“It has been a privilege to collaborate with ARU to develop and shape this work. The findings not only highlight some truly inspiring practices around healthy food provision and education in local settings, but also bring to light the stark realities surrounding the challenges of providing healthy food for young children. The research has identified key opportunities for improvement, and I am excited to continue working alongside the sector, ARU, and key partners to implement these recommendations and, ultimately, nourish the future of our youngest children.”
Emily Fallon, Wellbeing and Public Health Manager, Essex County Council.
nourishingourfuture.co.uk 