The Department for Education (DfE) has released updated Nutrition Guidance for Early Years Providers in April 2025, offering essential advice for nurseries, childminders, and school-based providers in England. This guidance aims to ensure children aged 0–5 receive healthy, balanced meals that support their growth, development, and long-term wellbeing.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points and what they mean for early years settings and families.
Why This Guidance Matters
The early years are a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits. Poor nutrition can lead to obesity, tooth decay, and long-term health issues. The guidance aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which will include a new requirement from September 2025 for providers to follow these standards unless there’s a valid reason not to.
Key Objectives:
- Promote balanced diets with a variety of nutrients.
- Reduce health inequalities by ensuring all children access nutritious food.
- Support oral health and prevent childhood obesity.
Nutritional Guidance by Age Group
Babies (0–12 Months)
0–6 months:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended where possible.
- If using formula, follow strict hygiene practices (sterilising bottles, using water at 70 °C).
- Feed responsively—watch for hunger cues (e.g., rooting, sucking) and signs of fullness (e.g., turning away).
6–12 months (Weaning):
- Introduce solid foods when babies can sit upright, chew, and swallow (around 6 months).
- Start with vegetable purées (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower) before sweeter options.
- Progress to mashed and finger foods (e.g., soft-cooked carrot sticks, banana slices).
- Avoid salt, sugar, honey, choking hazards (whole nuts, popcorn), and high-risk foods (raw eggs, unpasteurised cheese).
- Drinks: Only breast milk, formula, or water. Avoid follow-on formulas unless advised by a health professional.
Children (1–5 Years)
The guidance emphasises variety, portion control, and limiting processed foods.
The 4 Food Groups:
- Fruit & Vegetables – At least one portion per meal.
- Starchy Carbs – Wholegrains encouraged (e.g., brown rice, wholemeal bread).
- Dairy/Dairy Alternatives – Full-fat for under 2s; unsweetened options preferred.
- Proteins – Include beans, pulses, eggs, and oily fish (e.g., salmon twice a week).
Foods to Limit or Avoid:
- Limit: Processed meats (sausages, nuggets), fried foods (max once a week).
- Avoid: Sugary snacks, fruit juices, artificial sweeteners, and high-salt foods.
Portion Sizes:
- Roughly the size of a child’s clenched fist.
- Avoid pressuring children to finish meals—let them self-regulate.
Practical Tips for Early Years Providers
1. Menu Planning
- Plan weekly menus to ensure variety and balance.
- Include seasonal produce and culturally diverse meals.
- Adapt textures for different ages (e.g., mashed for toddlers, chopped for preschoolers).
2. Allergies & Dietary Needs
- Common allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, nuts) must be carefully managed.
- Work with parents to create allergy action plans.
- Avoid cross-contamination (e.g., separate utensils, clear labelling).
3. Cost-Effective Healthy Eating
- Batch-cook meals using affordable staples (lentils, frozen veggies).
- Swap pre-packaged snacks for homemade options (e.g., oat bars, veggie sticks).
4. Engaging Parents
- Share menus and allergen information in advance.
- Encourage healthy packed lunches (e.g., hummus wraps, fruit slices).
- Celebrate with non-food treats (e.g., stickers, bubbles) to avoid sugary party foods.
Final Thoughts
This guidance reinforces the vital role early years providers play in shaping children’s eating habits. By prioritising nutrition, settings can help reduce health inequalities and set children up for a lifetime of good health.
For parents, the guidance offers practical tips on weaning, portion sizes, and healthy swaps—making it a valuable resource for home too.
Want to learn more?
Read the full guidance here.
Check out NHS Start for Life for weaning advice.
Read our blogs on What Child-Led Learning in Early Years Actually Means Is Modern Parenting Advice Fuelling the Allergy Epidemic in Children?
Let’s give every child the best start with wholesome, delicious food!
