Encouraging Children to Eat Healthily

Know about healthy eating for children.

Additional details

Healthy eating principles may include:

• five portions of fruit and vegetables each day
• no added sugar
• low fat
• variety of foods
• sufficient fluids
• low salt

The needs of 0-3 years may include:

• small, frequent meals and snacks
• appropriate types of milk depending on the age and needs of the child
• avoiding foods or additives that may cause allergic reactions 

The needs of the 3-5 years may include:

• balanced diet - 'eat well' plate
• appropriate portion sizes
• avoid food with significant sugar, salt, colourings

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Describe healthy eating principles for children.
• 1.2
  Describe the dietary needs of children aged
  a) 0-3 years
  b) 3-5 years.

Know ways to encourage children to eat healthily.

Additional details

Ways to encourage eating may include:

• allowing children to help cook or prepare the meal
• choice
• food tasting
• help with shopping
• presentation of food

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Outline approaches for encouraging children of different ages to eat healthily.

Be able to prepare an activity to encourage healthy eating amongst children.

Additional details

This practical activity gives the learner the opportunity to choose an activity that encourages health eating and identifying the resources that they will need. They will then describe how the activity promotes health eating. 

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Outline an activity, appropriate for a specific group of children, to encourage healthy eating.
• 3.2
  Identify resources needed for the activity.
• 3.3
  Describe how the activity will promote healthy eating.

Be able to contribute to leading an activity to encourage children to eat healthily.

Additional details

This practical activity may be carried out in the workplace, at a children's event or by inviting children into the school or college, if appropriate. The learner needs to understand the purpose of the activity so that they can communicate effectively with the children. They will then support the children throughout the activity. 

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1
  Clearly communicate with a specific group of children about the activity, in a manner appropriate to the age group.
• 4.2
  Carry out an agreed role in leading an activity to encourage healthy eating.
• 4.3
  Support the children to take part in the activity to encourage them to eat healthily.