Childhood obesity is a rising concern in the UK, affecting 1 in 8 young children according to NHS England. At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we are dedicated to addressing this issue by focusing on the health and well-being of each child. Through nutritious meals and active, joyful play, we aim to instill lifelong healthy habits.
Nutritious Meals with Apetito
We recognise the importance of building a healthy relationship with food from an early age. To support this, we partner with Apetito, a trusted supplier of balanced nursery meals. Apetito’s chefs and in-house nutritionists work together to create menus that meet the nutritional needs of preschoolers, using fresh ingredients sourced locally to support British farming. This partnership provides children with a varied, wholesome diet that introduces them to a wide range of flavours and textures.
Beyond just serving meals, we involve children in the full food cycle, from planting to harvesting vegetables in our nursery garden. This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the value of fresh, healthy foods and helps develop an understanding of where food comes from. Mrs Wilkinson, our Nursery Manager, describes the impact of mealtime interactions:
“We talk about the textures, tastes, and sounds of the food, like the crunch of a carrot. These moments encourage independence and help children make positive food choices.”
By building this foundation early on, we aim to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Combating Childhood Obesity with Balanced Meals
With concerns about childhood obesity on the rise, our approach is grounded in balance. Apetito’s carefully curated meals offer the essential nutrients to support growing bodies while keeping foods enjoyable. Meals focus on fresh ingredients, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and balanced dishes that promote long-term health.
Encouraging Active Play
Alongside nutritious meals, physical activity is crucial in promoting children’s overall health. At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we’ve created a supportive environment where children’s natural urges for movement and exploration are encouraged. Moving away from an overly cautious “Cotton Wool Culture,” we instead provide safe, managed opportunities for active play that allow children to challenge their physical capabilities and learn through movement.
Mrs Wilkinson emphasises this approach:
“We nurture children’s natural instincts to explore and move. Supporting these urges is vital for their physical and mental development.”
Children engage in a range of activities, from musical movement and action songs to structured physical exercise programmes. Our Bouncing Bridges Programme is one such initiative, blending fun with physical skill-building to develop strength, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Building Healthy Habits Early
At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we believe that healthy eating and active play are essential to a child’s development. By focusing on these areas, we create a nurturing environment where children can thrive physically and emotionally. Our goal is to foster habits that support lifelong well-being and equip children to make healthy choices as they grow.
By starting these habits early, we are doing our part in tackling childhood obesity, one nutritious meal and playful moment at a time. Through our partnership with Apetito and our dedication to active play, we are fully committed to supporting the health of every child in our care.
www.shotleybridge-nurseryschool.co.uk
Call: 01207 581 700
