The early years of life can have a lasting impact on long term health. What a child or young person eats, and the habits they make in their earliest years can set the pattern for the rest of their lives.
Statistics from the National child Measurement Programme (NCMP) show that 1 in 5 children in North Yorkshire start school overweight or obese and almost 1 in 3 children in North Yorkshire leave primary school overweight or obese, therefore there is much that can be done by Early Years settings/practitioners and schools in order to reduce these statistics.
Eatwell Guide
Public Health England encourages organisations and individuals to use the Eatwell Guide to make sure everyone receives consistent messages about the balance of foods in a healthy diet.
The Eatwell Guide defines the government’s advice on a healthy balanced diet and is a visual representation of how different foods and drinks can contribute towards a healthy balanced diet. Based on the 5 food groups the Eatwell Guide shows how much of what you eat should come from each food group. N.B. These guidelines are not applicable to children under 2 years of age.
Sugar
Consuming too much sugar in the diet can impact on a child or young person’s weight, dental health and likelihood of long terms conditions in adulthood such as type 2 diabetes. Avoiding sugary drinks and replacing these with water or milk for children aged 0-5 years is recommended. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet is not only important for a child or young person’s weight but can also impact on wider things including their digestive health and ability to learn.
National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measures the height and weight of children in reception class (aged 4 to 5 years) and year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years) to assess overweight and obesity levels in children within primary schools. This data is used at a national level to support local public health initiatives and inform the local planning and delivery of services for children.
Children's heights and weights are measured and used to calculate a Body Mass Index (BMI) centile. The measurement process is overseen by trained healthcare professionals in schools and is managed and delivered by the 5-19 Healthy Child Service in North Yorkshire.
Schools value the link between pupil health and wellbeing and attainment and many schools are taking proactive steps to promote whole school action through the curriculum, school leadership practices, school ethos and environment, participating in the healthy schools programmes, and through partnerships with parents and the wider community.
There are many ways in which schools can take action to encourage children to be a healthy weight. Some suggestions include:
- sitting with children at lunch times to encourage and model healthy eating
- using a PSHE session to talk to children about healthy weight
- facilitating and encouraging physical play during break times.
Change4Life
The national Change4Life campaigns aim to help families make healthier choices and get active. Information and resources can be found by visiting the Change4Life website.
Schools can give their pupils a head start by encouraging healthy habits during their first year at school, when they'll be weighed and measured. Primary schools across the county that are signed up to the School Fruit and Veg Scheme periodically receive Key Stage 1 and 2 resources which include lesson plans, assembly presentations and suggestions for how to get the whole school involved. Visit Change4Life School Zone for more curriculum-linked resources and inspiration to support teaching children about healthy eating and being active.
Local Services for Children and Young People in North Yorkshire
The 5-19 Healthy Child Service works across the county in schools, youth venues and in the family home. The service is the first point of contact for schools that have concerns about the wellbeing of their pupils. The service will offer advice and information to parents and work directly with children and young people to tackle their health issues, including weight issues.
If you would like more information about how your school can further support healthy weight among your pupil population please contact the Healthy Child Service on: 01609 780780.
Useful Sources of Information:
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Change4Life - Ideas and help on how to make small changes that add up to a healthier, happier future for children and their families
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Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action - The government’s plan for action to significantly reduce childhood obesity by supporting healthier choices
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NHS choices – Information on steps for success including how to be a good role model, ideas around healthy meals, snacks, drinks and portion sizes and information about becoming more active
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Healthy Weight Healthy Lives – North Yorkshire County Council’s strategy for tackling overweight and obesity in the County 2016 -2026
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Healthy Weight Pathway for Children, Young People and Families in North Yorkshire - A resource to support professionals in navigating the children and families obesity offer in North Yorkshire.
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PSHE Association – Resource library including lesson plans and assessment tools to help schools develop their PSHE curriculum
