Snack and meal time

1.1 Outline the nutritional requirements of a healthy diet for children and young peopleNutritional requirements of a healthy diet for children and young people were brought into early year settings and schools in 2005 which was named as ‘The School Food Trust’. This laid out basic guidelines of what children should be consuming on a day-to-day basis. Healthy Nutrition includes Vitamins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Proteins, Fats and Calcium. Consuming the right amount of each of these will give children the correct balanced nutritional diet. 1.2 Describe examples of healthy meals and snacks for children and young peopleChildren should have 3 well balanced healthy meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and a selection of healthy snacks in between each meal (Fruit and vegetables).Breakfast: Weetabix and strawberries and a Glass of Orange Juice Mid-morning Snack : Milk or water, Biscuit and Selective fruits or vegetable (Orange, Apple, Tomato, Cucumber etc.)Lunch: Sandwiches, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Banana, Yoghurt. And a Drink of water, smoothie or juiceMid-afternoon snack: Milk or water, Biscuit and selective fruit or vegetables (Orange, Apple, Tomato, Cucumber etc.)Dinner: Fish fingers with carrots green beans, sweet corn. Fruit squash and an Apple crumbleBreakfast: Boiled egg on toast, Grapes, and strawberries with a glass of milkSnack : Milk or water, Biscuit, selection of fruit or vegetables (Orange, Apple, Tomato, Cucumber etc.)Lunch: Carrot sticks, Jam Sandwiches, Yoghurt, Apple, and a SmoothieSnack: Milk or water, Biscuit, selection of fruit or vegetables (Orange, Apple, Tomato, Cucumber etc.)Dinner: Turkey Dinosaurs, Mashed Potatoes, peas and carrots. And a yoghurt. 1.3 Describe how culture, religion and health conditions impact on food choicesDifferent cultures and religions have different beliefs, which also affects what kind of food certain religions can eat. Reasons for this is because some religions require specific preparation food differently to how we would, including making sure animals are clean before they are killed for their meat. Halal aren’t allowed to eat pork, blood or any animals that are carnivorous. They also cannot consume alcohol. Jainism (A faith mostly followed in India) are Strictly Vegetarians and forbids consuming figs, eggs and honey.2.1 Describe the benefits of healthy eating for children and young people A Healthy diet is crucial to a child or young person’s growth development. Ensuring they consume all the necessary nutrients daily can enhance physical and mental health and keeping their bodies animated throughout the day. 2.2 Describe the possible consequences of an unhealthy dietAn Unhealthy diet can affect children in many ways including, Obesity, Behavioural issues (By consuming too many fats, salts or sugars can result In a child becoming hyper from the rush of additives), Vitamin deficiency, Bad dental issues (Loss of teeth, Gum disease etc.), bones becoming frail and weak, Intelligence and insomnia. 2.3 Describe how to recognise and deal with allergenic reactions to foodAllergic reactions occur when our immune system reacts to something which our individual bodies refuse or dislike such as certain foods, pollen, bee/wasp stings etc. Recognising allergic reactions can be visually spotted, heard or be felt (Internally). Having an allergic reaction to food can be visually recognised as the person would have a rash appear somewhere on the body including around the mouth on the arms, face. You may get swollen lips. You can also recognise reactions if someone’s airways started to close as they would struggle to breathe. You would also notice a reaction by either getting diarrhoea or a stomach ache. You can treat reactions by giving Antihistamines and using an epi-pen. 2.4 Describe where to get advice on dietary concernsThe Best place to get advice would be from a local nutritionist or from your GP. You can also get books which have advice on certain dietary concerns. A Personal trainer can also give you advice on what to eat for dietary concerns. 3.1 Describe the food policy of the settingBefore a child starts to attend the setting, we find out from parents their children’s dietary needs, including any allergies and we record information about each child’s dietary needs in her/his registration record and parents sign the record to signify that it is correct. We regularly consult with parents to ensure that our records of their children’s dietary needs – including any allergies – are up-to-date. Parents sign the up-dated record to signify that it is correct. We display current information about individual children’s dietary needs so that all staff and volunteers are fully informed about them.3.2a Describe with examples ways of encouraging children and young people: a) to make healthier food choices Encouraging children to make healthier food choices can be achieved by many different strategies. You could make food from scratch, by doing so you are able to add your ingredients. Offering variety of different food can give a child the choice and the chance to experiment in different foods they haven’t tried before. Involving the children in the decision and compromising an also be a very beneficial way of encouraging them. 3.2b Describe with examples ways of encouraging children and young people:b) to eat the food provided for them Encouraging children to eat what has been provided can be a challenge. But using simple methods such as if there is a lot of vegetables and fruit, explain to the children that eating a lot of fruit and veg will help them grow big and strong. Using a role model in the child’s life can be crucial by saying that they had eaten their fruit and veg and they became who they are to this day.4.1 Explain the importance of personal hygiene at meal and snack timesIt is very important to keep on top of children’s personal hygiene or meal and snack times. Washing hands before mealtime is crucial, failing to do so will increase the chance of bacteria being passed through the food provided causing children to fall ill. 5.1 Describe the setting’s code of conduct and policies for meal and snack timesWe at Pavilion nursery ensure that all allergies and personal needs are met during our snack and mealtimes. Making sure that all children wash their hands with soap beforehand. Keeping personal records of every individual child and their dietary requirements as well as allergies. While it is a time for eating, we ensure that the time is also a social time for the children to have conversations about the food they’re having or anything they want to talk about.