Researchers at Leeds University undertook a study of food served to 1.5 million children by nurseries and childminders in 2003. They found that just 46 per cent of nurseries and 23 per cent of childminders provided a fruit or vegetable with a main meal or main snack every day.
Co-author of the study, Pauline Nelson, said it revealed some 'startling variations' in the nutritional values of meals served.
'Some nurseries modelled themselves on the Italian Reggio Emilia nurseries, spending up to two hours eating together and having a huge variety of food on the menu. Others provided nothing but chocolate spread sandwiches.'
After publishing the findings in April 2005, the researchers did a follow-up study of childminders' attitudes to providing healthy food.
Mrs Nelson said that she was 'heartened' that 75 per cent of childminders were eager to receive training. She acknowledged that poor nutrition was often the fault of the parents.
'Because Ofsted inspectors are scaring off childminders from cooking for children in their care, they are asking parents to provide lunchboxes. They also report that parents are often more concerned about the cost of their service than the nutritional element of the food provided.'
Chief executive of the National Childminding Association, Liz Bayram, said that this year's National Childminding Week will focus on healthy eating.
'We will be working alongside the British Heart Foundation to ensure our 50,000 members will receive lots of new and fun ideas on fitness and food.'
For a copy of Laying foundations for health: food provision for under-fives in daycare, email p.nelson@leeds.ac.uk.