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Food in schools
Schools can play an important role in promoting healthy eating habits for pupils , as well as ensuring food provides healthy , balanced meals with the appropriate amount of energy and nutrients , and providing opportunities to be physically active . The School Food Plan , first published in July 2013 , emphasises that a whole-school approach is required to change the eating habits of schoolchildren effectively and sustainably . 21 The current School Food Standards 22 have been in force since January 2015 and apply to all maintained schools , and academies that were founded before 2010 and after June 2014 . The standards are intended to help children develop healthy eating habits and ensure they get the energy and nutrition they need across the whole school day . From September 2014 , food and nutrition education was made compulsory in the national curriculum between the ages of 5 and 14 years , to complement the work done on improving food served at school . 21
In England , free school meals are currently a statutory entitlement available to eligible pupils during term time . In October 2020 , there were 1.63 million state-funded pupils known to be eligible ( 19.7 %), an increase from 15.4 % in January 2019 . Eligibility for free school meals is associated with lower socio-economic status and lower pupil attainment . Free school meals have recently been in the news , with campaigns calling on the Government to extend the provision of support outside term time . This underlines that many children still experience food insecurity and go without the food normally provided to families during term time . 23
on their age ; the figure is 160 – 290 for girls . 5 In addition , on average , children are consuming excessive free sugars , saturated fat and salt , and insufficient fibre . 6
Sugar-sweetened soft drinks are a major contributor , accounting on average for 18 % of free sugars intake in 4- to 10-year-olds and 29 % in 11- to 18-year-olds . 6 There is some evidence from trials in children and adolescents to show that sugar-sweetened drinks are linked with weight gain and an increase in body mass index ( BMI ), so their consumption should be minimised . 7 Most children are not meeting other dietary guidelines – for example , in respect of fruit and vegetable intake , only 12 % of 11- to 18-year-olds eat five portions a day and , despite the health benefits of oily fish , 4- to 10-year-olds consume an average of just 14g per week , and 11-to 18-year-olds 21g per week , compared with a recommended intake of 140g for all age groups . 7
Micronutrient intakes Failure to achieve dietary recommendations is not restricted to macronutrients and , interestingly , the high prevalence of overweight and obesity sits alongside poor intake of some micronutrients . This is known as the double burden of malnutrition . Substantial proportions of some population groups , notably adolescents , appear to have low intakes of various essential vitamins and minerals , indicating that the overall micronutrient density of diets may warrant improvement . 8 Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development , and the requirements for some nutrients , such as calcium and iron in girls , are high . 9
What makes up a healthy , balanced diet for children ? Following a healthy dietary pattern will help ensure children obtain the required nutrients , and help to maintain a healthy
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Go to bit . ly / 3qiHiav to access the fully referenced module , test your knowledge and download your certificate weight . In the UK , healthy-eating principles are set out in the Eatwell Guide 10 , but globally they are consistently characterised by eating the following : Plenty of vegetables , fruit and wholegrains Some low-fat dairy products ( or fortified dairy alternatives ) Some good-quality sources of protein , including seafood , nuts and seeds , and pulses
Some unsaturated fat ( for example , olive or rapeseed oil , salmon or mackerel )
Reduced intakes of fatty / processed meats , refined grains , sugar-sweetened foods and drinks , saturated fat and salt
Vitamin D Low vitamin D status has been highlighted as a concern because of the association with poor musculoskeletal health . A supplement of 10 micrograms per day of vitamin D should be considered for all schoolchildren aged over 4 years between October and early March ( when we cannot make enough vitamin D from sunlight on our skin ).
Groups at higher risk ( for example those of Asian or black ethnic origin or those who wear clothes that cover most of their skin when outdoors ) should consider taking a vitamin D supplement throughout the year . 11 Despite supplementation advice , only around one in five children aged 4-10 years and one in 10 aged 11-18 years currently take vitamin D supplements . 6
Hydration Water is essential for life and it ’ s important to get the right amount of fluid to be healthy . Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can have negative effects on mental and physical function , with symptoms including headache and poor concentration . 12 The amount of fluid a child needs depends on several factors , such as levels of physical activity and climate , but the Government recommends they should aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day . 13 According to the European Food Safely Authority , children aged 4-8 years need around 1.3 litres per day of fluids through drinks , and those aged 9-13 around 1.6 litres per day . 14 Water and milk are the best options for children . 13
As indicated above , intake of sugar-sweetened drinks should be limited . Energy drinks are also not recommended for children as they typically contain high levels of caffeine and sugar . Evidence suggests daily use of energy drinks is strongly associated with increased risk of headache , sleeping problems , irritation and tiredness / fatigue . 15 In its 2011 report , the American Academy of Pediatrics points to the risks of high caffeine intakes from energy drink consumption for the neurological and cardiovascular systems in children , and recommends energy drinks should not be consumed by children or adolescents . 16 The British Nutrition Foundation ’ s Healthy Hydration Guide for Children 17 offers further information in this respect .
Lifestyle Healthy eating is important for good health but other factors support health and wellbeing , such as physical activity and adequate sleep . Children should get an average of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day across the week , consisting of activities of varying types and intensity . Time spent being sedentary should be reduced . 18
Getting sufficient sleep has been shown to benefit memory , learning , attention , mood , behaviour and physical health . 19 Although there are individual variations , it is estimated that 6- to 12-year-olds need around nine to 12 hours a night , and 13- to 18-year-olds around eight to 10 hours . 20
Ayela Spiro is nutrition science manager and Helena Gibson-Moore is nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation charity
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