Early years and childcare settings are to receive guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on how they can play a part in combating childhood obesity.
The NICE guidance, published this week, is also aimed at schools and a range of professionals working with children. It urges settings to prioritise 'preventing excess weight gain and improving children's diet and activity levels'.
Nurseries and other facilities should 'minimise sedentary activities during play time, and provide regular opportunities for active play and structured physical activity sessions'.
Staff should make sure that children eat regularly and enjoy healthy meals in 'a pleasant, sociable environment free from other distractions' and, where possible, staff should eat with the children.
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