Government Guidelines for Nutrition
Benefits of Healthy Eating in Early Childhood
June 20, 2022Evaluation of a Learning Environment
June 20, 2022Government Guidelines for Nutrition
Unit Four
Health Promotion and Development
| The tables below show the main government guidelines in nutrition:
Guideline Daily Amount Values:
References 1 Department of Health. 1991. Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report on Health and Social Subjects No. 41. London: HMSO. 2 Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. 2003. Salt and Health. London: TSO. |
It is important that the under-5s get enough energy (calories) for growth and development. Childcare workers should therefore be sensitive to the needs of children who are fussy eaters or small eaters and ensure that these children are offered a good variety of food that they will accept.
Age Average energy requirements in kcals (calories) per day:
- 1 year 935kcals
- 2 years 1,160kcals
- 3 years 1,430kcals
- 4 years 1,530kcals
(Gregory JR, Collins DL, Davies PSW, Hughes
JM, Clarke PC. 1995. National Diet and
Nutrition Survey: Children Aged 11/2 to 41/2
Years. Volume 1. Report of the Diet)
Children in a childcare setting should always be encouraged to eat a varied diet. They should eat foods from each of the four main food groups every day. The four main food groups are:
- Bread, cereals and potatoes
- Fruit and vegetables
- Milk and dairy foods,
- Meat, fish and alternatives such as eggs, pulses (peas, beans and lentils) and soya.
Vitamin C is important in maintaining good health and may have a role in helping the body to absorb iron if both nutrients are present in the same meal. Children should be encouraged to eat foods containing vitamin C at meals like fruit and fruit juices.
Children who do not eat meat should have a varied diet containing foods such as cereals, pulses (peas, beans and lentils), vegetables and fruits.
