Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

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Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service for Early Year’s Settings

We know that good nutrition has a huge role to play in the early stages of development. Getting to grips on the most up-to-date and practical nutrition information however can be difficult. That’s where Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service (LNDS) can help.

As part of the Eat Better Start Better Programme in Leicester, LNDS support childcare providers to create healthy environments for children to grow and develop.

The first step is to gain ‘good nutrition accreditation’. Whether you offer a full day menu, or just snacks, you can achieve the nutrition award. This forms a foundation for you to access the other free services and support if you wish.

Good Nutrition for Under 5’s Award

Commissioned by Leicester City Council and delivered by LNDS, this award recognises childcare settings that offer balanced, healthy food provision.

The early years team support childcare providers to meet national nutrition guidance and offer a good nutrition award to show OFSTED and families their commitment to good nutrition.

Awarded childcare settings can access further LNDS resources and services.

Good Nutrition Network Events

These events are offered 2-3 times a year for childcare practitioners to network together, take part in seasonal activities and collect free resources and recipes to use in their setting.

Previous topics include ‘Packed lunches’ and ‘Portion sizes for early years’. Special guests have included health visitors, public health colleagues and sports development workers.

Big Cook Little Cook programme

A five week practical healthy eating programme for children and their parents to take part in together, delivered at your setting.

Access free training and equipment to run your own courses too if you wish!

Packed lunch package

This has been developed due to the increase in packed lunches being taken up as a result of the changes to childcare funding.

It is important for settings that have achieved Good Nutrition Accreditation for their own practices that the lunch boxes are also as nutritious.

For information, contact Joanne Reade via email  Joanne.Reade@nhs.uk  or on 0116 2227 170.

Useful links

Leicestershire Healthy Tots Programme: Information on the importance of healthy diet in early years settings

ChatHealth Logo

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called Chat Health. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens.

Healthy Together Logo

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs the Healthy Together Helpline for parents and carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The Helpline’s qualified health and administrative professionals offer easy to access, safe and free advice, support and signposting. Calls are answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. Calls are charged at the same rate as calling a standard landline number.

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

Page last reviewed: 15-01-2024

Next review due: 15-01-2027