Nutrition and food education

According to the National Food Strategy report published in July 2021, the government should focus on establishing effective food education as part of the wider food system.

The report highlights how effective cooking and nutrition sessions play a key role in our food system and can contribute to the prevention of obesity and ill health in later life.

The young people’s health and wellbeing survey gathered valuable information about food habits of children and young people in Richmond.

National guidelines

Department for Education (DfE) guidelines state that cooking and nutrition should be part of the Design and Technology curriculum. Key stage 1 to key stage 3 pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating through their education. 

Food teaching guidelines in primary and secondary schools offer a framework of knowledge and skills that is required of schools that teach children about food. 

Resources for schools

Key resources are available that schools can use to teach cooking and nutrition effectively. They are based on the UK’s healthy eating model called The Eatwell Guide.

The guide explains the different types of foods and drinks to eat, and in what amounts, for a healthy and more sustainable diet.

Food - a fact of life

The Food - a fact of life programme is an educational side of the British Nutrition Foundation.

The programme offers teachers guidance on good practices for teaching food and nutrition to primary students, secondary students, and students with additional needs. The programme also provides free resources for teaching children and young people aged 3 to 16 about food, cooking, and healthy eating. 

This includes:

• A dashboard to help with lesson planning
• Free cooking curriculum resources for different age groups from 3 to 16, including pupils with additional needs
• Lesson plans, presentations, videos, activity packs, guides and food cards
• Whole school food resources, including policy templates 
• Support for planning and setting up a growing club
• Food life skills to help students learn about cooking while considering healthy eating, food hygiene and safety, and budgeting
• Activities and resources to engage with parents and carers
• Professional development tools, including virtual practical workshops for schools
• Webinars on healthy eating topics including tackling food waste, sustainable diets and allergies

For effective assessment and monitoring purposes, schools can use:

• Food teaching progression charts age 5 to 11
• Core competencies for children and young people age 5 to 16
• Primary food projects for ages 5 to 11 (Programme of study)

Each programme of study comprises of a six-week scheme of learning, lesson plans, and resources. These are all tailored to meet primary school food curricular around the UK, whether you teach food in cooking and nutrition, technologies, or design and technology.

British Nutrition Foundation 

Reliable information on nutrition that is grounded in science is available from the British Nutrition Foundation charity.

This includes:

• Healthy Eating Week resource packs to help schools run the annual event in the second week of June. The resources can be adapted for use throughout the year
• Looking at labels resources to teach children how to read food labels and make healthy choices
• Get portion wise enhances understanding of the types and quantities of foods needed for a healthy, balanced diet for ourselves and our families
• The Eatwell Guide summarises key information about each food group

School Food Matters

School Food Matters is a charity campaigning for better access to sustainable healthy food during school time and quality food education.

They are involved in many projects including:

• Healthy Zones
• Know your Onions
• Honeybee Programme

Food growing

Teaching children about the origins of food and how to grow their own fruit and vegetables is an important part of food education. The following websites offer resources and support to integrate growing activities into the curriculum:

• Garden Organic - School gardening resources: Visual guides on planting, caring for seedlings, and constructing beds, along with helpful posters and resources for beginners
• Garden Organic - School growing past projects: Case studies and publications on setting up growing activities to teach children about sustainability and climate change
• Trees for Cities - Food growing resources: A range of resources to supplement the curriculum, including booklets, videos, and printable visuals for sharing with parents
• Food - a fact of life - Guide to growing club: Tips and resources to help you get started with growing activities
• Countryside Classroom: Resources, places to visit, and school support related to food, farming and the natural environment
• The Garden Classroom: Resources and training for teachers to connect urban children and families with nature

Other resources

A range of other resources are also available from national organisations, including:

• See & Eat ebooks: Show the journey of different vegetables from farm to fork. Research shows that pre-schoolers are more likely to eat vegetables if they recognise them and understand where they come from
• Belly bugs: A school programme introducing children to their beneficial gut microbes or 'Belly Bugs'. It offers free, curriculum linked resources and lessons for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, covering subjects like maths, English, science, art, DT and PSHE health and wellbeing. Every lesson is science backed and includes a teachers booklet and plan
• E-Bug: A free educational resource about micro-organisms and the spread, prevention and treatment of infections
• Eating well recipe book: Provides healthy recipes for 5 to 18 year olds, suitable for sharing with parents or using in cookery lessons
• School Zone: Offers curriculum linked resources and inspiration for teaching children about healthy eating and being active
• NHS Food scanner app: Helps identify healthy alternatives to family favourites
• NHS healthy recipes: A hub with tips for breakfasts, packed lunches, dinners, and desserts
• BEAT: The UK’s eating disorder charity, offering support to individuals that suffer from eating disorders and their carers. They also provide resources and Schools Professionals Online Training
• AYPH: Developed a lesson plan for KS3 to KS5 students called 'Fair and Equal Opportunity to Enjoy Good Health'