The research was carried out by organic baby food company Organix, in partnership with Nursery World. A questionnaire published in the magazine in February aimed to find out what food children eat at nursery, the information that is available to childcare professionals and the ways in which food provision could be improved.
The Children's Food Advisory Service has been set up to give advice and support to early years professionals in the wake of the increase in food allergies and special diets among young children. It offers a freephone advice line, e-mail and website with independent experts available to answer any queries on food and nutrition issues.
Lizzie Vann, children's food campaigner and founder of Organix Brands, who last year launched a campaign to lobby for a children's food Bill to improve diets, said, 'Nurseries are keen to find ways to improve food provision for their children. The Children's Food Advisory Service will provide a comprehensive reference service, and give early years professionals additional support and direct access to experts in children's health and nutrition.'
Nursery World editor Liz Roberts said, 'Early years settings can lay the foundations for children to acquire healthy eating habits for life. Our readers will welcome advice on providing the best diets possible for the children in their care.'
The survey found that children's special diets in nursery environments include nut-, wheat- and lactose-free, vegetarian and Halal.
The research also found that 94 per cent of respondents were confident their staff had sufficient nutritional knowledge to provide a healthy diet for the children in their setting. However, 57 per cent did not have Government guidelines available on healthy eating for the under-fives.
There is also a demand from parents for nurseries to go organic, with 34 per cent of respondents claiming parents asked for organic food. Only 33 per cent of settings said they never used organic ingredients.
On joining the service, members can consult experts including Dr Vyvyan Howard, a toxico- pathologist from Liverpool University; Dr Brian McDonough, a former GP and specialist in nutritional medicine; and nutritionist and children's food author, Suzannah Olivier.
Free membership includes an information pack and posters on subjects such as weaning, hyperactivity, allergies, the best diets for pre-school children and the benefits of organic food.
To register, log on to www.childrensfood.orgor call 0800 996 1114.
* Nursery World readers who took part in the survey received free posters giving nutritional information and will be entered into a draw to be one of three lucky winners to receive specialist meal-planning advice from nutritionist Suzannah Olivier. Winners will be announced soon in Nursery World.