Tracey Lindsay will visit settings and advise on developing a healthy eating policy, offer training on healthy eating for nought to five-year-olds, assess menus, and put together action plans on improving provision.
Ms Lindsay said, 'A lot of daycare providers don't currently have a nutrition or healthy eating policy. As part of the project we are providing a draft policy for staff to customise to their own needs.'
Action plans will include a list of objectives and timescales, a combination of Ms Lindsay's recommendations and what staff feel is realistic and achievable. By March 2008, Ms Lindsay will have worked with 87 settings including children's centres, pre-schools, toddler groups, private nurseries and creches. She also hopes to work with childminders.
Previously Ms Lindsay worked with families at a local Sure Start programme for three years and helped develop the South Tyneside Childhood Obesity strategy.
She said, 'A lot of work is carried out in schools, but we felt the early years age group was sometimes missed out.'
Pam Lee, public health specialist at South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, said, 'We want to give young children the same opportunities older children get through the Healthy School programme and the new school meals standards.'
Local provider Ashfield Nursery group was one of the first private nurseries to sign up. Regional manager Jill Westgarth said, 'We already promote healthy eating and a varied diet, but we are hoping Tracey will be able to provide more ideas and inspiration. We're very excited about working with her. It's something new and different and shows parents that we are committed to a healthy eating policy.'