Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Getting the balance right in the early years can have a positve impact on a child's long-term health and development. This is the time when food preferences are being formed and children are becoming more active.

Feeding Young Imaginations campaign

Since 2003, the Alliance has campaigned for better nutritional support for the under fives. Feeding Young Imaginations bridges the gap that exists for clear and reliable guidance for the early years sector. As a leader in this field we undertake specialist research, contribute our views to formal consultations and lobby government to invest in early years nutrition. Our voice is frequently heard in consumer, trade and national media.

Supporting practitioners and local authorities

We know that tackling childhood obesity is a major priority for practitioners and local authorities. With over one third of two-to-five year olds already overweight or obese by the time they reach the school gate, early intervention is key.

Recognising this challenge, we have developed a range of practical resources for cooks planning and preparing menus in settings, practitioners working with young children and commissioners responsible for early years nutrition.

• Nutritional guidance for the under fives
• The Essential Early Years Cookbook
• Promoting Healthy Eating in Early Years Settings training

Supporting parents

For parents and those caring for very young children there is a confusing range of information available on what makes up a balanced diet. Alliance nurseries are equipped with the latest nutritional guidance for the under fives. Our settings provide healthy snacks and well-balanced meals, including a vegetarian option, for children every day. Noticeboards at the nurseries show the daily menus for the current and coming week. We take into account the cultural and dietary needs of individual children, including any food allergies. Many of our settings also offer activities where parents and carers can develop their understanding of healthy eating for all the family.

For more information about healthy eating for young children, click here
To find your nearest Alliance nursery, click here

Our partnerships

We work closely with leading health, commercial and educational organisations at local and national level. Working in partnership allows us to bring about real change and address wider issues associated with early years health and nutrition. Danone Baby Nutrition, British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), Bounty, Local Authorities, Change4Life and the Infant and Toddler Forum are just some of our campaign partners. Their support enables the Alliance to promote the benefits of healthy eating to over 2 million parents every year.

Best practice

Our settings regularly work together to share best practice and promote healthy eating. To read about some of the good work being done, click on the links below.

• Cockleshells Childrens Centre — DCSF Early Years Magazine, Dec 2009
• A healthy outlook — Under 5 magazine, June 2009
• Northlands Park Nursery — The Times, January 19 2009

Useful links

British Nutrition Foundation
Food Standards Agency
Infant & Toddler Forum
Change4Life