First early years nutrition standard launched
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
A new standard to train chefs in the specific nutritional needs of young children – the first of its kind in the sector – is being launched this week.
The standard, which has been four years in the preparation, has been written by London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) chief executive June O’Sullivan and turned into a qualification by awarding body CACHE.
The Level 2 ‘Diploma in Food Production and Cooking in Early Years’ has greater scope than the early years nutritional standards produced by the Children’s Food Trust.
An occupational standard, it comprises a set of benchmarks against which the performance early years chefs is measured. It includes both basic skills such as how to make bread, with information about portion sizes, food groups and nutritional needs of children at different ages between birth and five, as well as how to work as part of a nursery team.
Ms O’Sullivan said, ‘Until now, there has been no [standard] that looks at the complexity of early years nutrition or the role of a chef in the nursery or in a school. This qualification looks at how we ensure we are meeting the needs of these children.
‘In the past there has been a shortage of carbs [served] to children. The nutritional needs of small children and growth are not the same as those for a 40-year-old on a diet.’
This is the first sector-wide standard on this issue, as many chefs will do non-tailored cookery qualifications aimed at all ages, though it is not the first qualification - Busy Bees’ launched a catering apprenticeship earlier in the year.
Ms O’Sullivan, who said she consulted extensively with the sector as well as the LEYF and wrote the standard in her free time at weekends, said that other nursery chains she had spoken to were ‘really up for it’.
She added, ‘Having a top level standard means that there is something for the whole sector – and we won’t just be talking about sending children to a nursery with a good chef: that should be happening no matter where the child goes.’
‘The chef is a important member of the team. At LEYF they come out and cook, and share new activities with the children.’
The year-long CACHE qualification is open to anyone aged 16 or over, though is aimed at adults. It can be found here
