Groundbreaking nutrition award launches in Essex
New initiative will support early years settings to improve food environments
Essex County Council, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has launched the Essex Early Years Nourishing Our Future Award (NOF Award).
The award has been developed alongside the local early years sector in Essex, following research by ARU’s School of Education.
It has been launched this week and will celebrate and elevate food and nutrition practices across early years settings in Essex.
The award offers a structured way for pre-schools, day nurseries, and childminders to showcase best practice and develop their food environments and nutrition education.
Data shows that children can consume up to 90% of their daily nutrient intake while in early years settings. In Essex, 21.1% of children are overweight or living with obesity by the time they start reception class in primary school, rising to 32.6% by Year 6.
Creating healthy food environments in the early years is critical to reversing this trend.
The award has three levels:
- Rooting – setting clear values, looking at what is already being done, and involving children and families in learning about food.
- Sprouting – growing stronger by training staff, listening to children’s ideas, and making healthy eating part of everyday learning.
- Blooming – thriving and creating long-lasting approaches and working closely with families and the wider community.
Each level is supported by a dedicated logo and access to an online resource hub. The hub hosts fact sheets, example menus, policy templates, and bespoke training materials.
The resources have been developed by leading early years nutrition experts, including Laura Matthews, Catherine Lippe, Nursery Kitchen, and Charlotte Stirling Reed.
“I am delighted that Essex County Council has worked directly with Essex-based early years settings to co-design the NOF Award, responding to the recommendations of our research.
“This unique grass roots approach values the voices and experiences of those on the frontline of children’s nutrition and food education. We aim to create a pioneering, supportive community for early-years educators, children and their families in Essex – promoting long-term health and wellbeing.”
Dr Kay Aaronricks, Head of the School of Education at Anglia Ruskin University
“These awards are a step forward in our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing our youngest residents.
“By supporting our early years settings to create nourishing food environments, we are laying the groundwork for healthier futures . It is also helping children build positive relationships with food and nutrition from the very start.”
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration at Essex County CouncilFor more information visit nourishingourfuture.co.uk