A study of 7,703 children by the Institute of Education and the University of Bristol found that children who ate junk food at the age of three were less likely to achieve the expected levels of improvement between Key Stages 1 and 2. Their diet at later ages was found to have less impact on their progress at school.
The researchers adjusted the data to factor in other issues such as low income or poor housing, which could also hold back their progress at school.
The report, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2008, concluded, 'If educational outcomes in part depend on nutritional intake before the start of school, with whom does responsibility lie? At what stage are interventions most effective? Is money best spent on school dinners or on the provision of health information to new mothers?'
The research is based on data from the Children of the 90s (ALSPAC) study, which has been following the development of 14,000 children since they were born in 1991 and 1992. 'Junk' was defined as food that is highly processed, and items high in fat and sugar such as crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks.
Nutritionist Annie Seeley told Nursery World that nurseries should have to meet national nutrition standards.
She said, 'This is the latest of many studies which demonstrates the long-term importance of a healthy diet in under-fives, not least because dietary habits are formed at this age. The Government's introduction of statutory nutrition standards in primary and secondary schools is great. But we need to see the same legal standards introduced in daycare settings. There are many examples of good nursery food provision, but this needs to be across the board, in all nurseries.'
'Dietary patterns related to attainment in school: the importance of early eating patterns' can be found at www.jech.bmj.com.