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

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

Commissioned by Leicester City Council, LNDS can support childcare providers FREE of charge.

Here is a summary of what is on offer for childcare providers in Leicester City:

Good Nutrition for Under 5’s Award

This award is aligned with the EYFS nutritional standards (2025).

Through the award process, providers work with a qualified nutritionist who supports them to meet the EYFS framework.

The award shows OFSTED and families their commitment to good nutrition and forms a foundation of healthy norms for children to thrive in Leicester’s childcare settings.

Good Nutrition Network Events

Offered twice a year, these events offer childcare practitioners opportunity to network together, take part in CPD activities and collect free resources to use in their setting.

Previous topics include ‘Fussy eating’, ‘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. Hosting a BCLC at your setting is simple. All equipment and food is provided by LNDS, all that’s needed is a space to deliver and a member of staff to support.

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

Healthy eating workshops

For parents or settings staff, these one-off sessions are built around the needs of your setting. Topics include ‘Fussy eating’, ‘Packed lunches’, and ‘Sugar’.

What do settings say about the service?

“Our response to the accreditation has been really positive with our parents who agree that it compliments our overall holistic approach to the care we provide at the nursery. New parents find it an attractive influencing factor when choosing our nursery”.

“I highly recommend getting involved with this scheme as the benefits support Early Years with recipes, ideas and cooking sessions, through the ‘Big cook, little cook’ initiative. The nursery has gained a sense of community through network events at the local Saffron Acres allotment project”.

“Our experience has been informative and helpful, benefiting the staff, children, families and the setting’s reputation.”

For further information about LNDS services, contact Joanne Reade via email  lpt.flic@nhs.net or telephone 0116 222 7154

Useful links

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: 17-10-2025

Next review due: 17-10-2028