Healthy eating project has improved pupil behaviour
14:20 - 25/05/2011
Healthy eating project has improved p...
Researchers believe that a healthy eating project adopted by thousands of primary schools in England has had a positive effect on pupil’s behaviour and has even improved inspection results.
The study, conducted by the University of West England (UWE) found that over a third of schools involved in the Food For Life Partnership (FFLP) had been judged outstanding by Ofsted, compared to just 17.3% before they joined the scheme.
More than 3,600 primary and secondary schools are participating in the FFLP, which is being funded by a £16.9 million lottery grant. It is made up of four charities – the Soil Association, Health Education Trust, Garden Organic and Focus on Food Campaign. The project works to encourage school children to grow, cook and eat more healthy food. The schools work towards bronze, silver and gold awards, judged on their approach to food education, quality, culture and community engagement.
The UWE study analysed 48 of the primary schools involved. It found that the number of children eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day had risen by 5% since their school joined the project. Researchers also found that the project was benefiting pupils in their home life, as 45% of parents surveyed said that their family was now eating a healthier diet.
FFLP Director, Libby Grundy, said: “The UK has the highest rate of childhood obesity in Europe, with almost a quarter of adults and about one in ten children classed as obese, and a further 20-25% of children overweight.
“The UWE evidence shows that our programme has made a positive difference to improving diet and this in turn is having a knock-on effect on behaviour and attainment.”
Obesity rates among children and adults in Britain continue to rise. Only a small minority of people are eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and this is having a significant impact on health and lifestyles in Britain. Many children are now obese and have already developed unhealthy eating habits.
First Response Training believes that people need to be better educated in health and nutrition to ensure they understand the implications of an unhealthy diet and are aware of the type of foods they should be eating.
Perry Leeks, Managing Direct at First Response says: “We offer a Nutrition and Healthy Eating training course, which is suited to a wide audience, including those who work with children. It is just 3 hours in duration and provides delegates with knowledge about leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as guidelines about how to maintain weight and calorie control.”
Lorraine Prothero, the First Response Training Officer who helped to develop the course, says: “The best way to a healthier, longer life is to eat a nutritionally balanced diet which is composed of the five major food groups. Eating a variety of foods from each group can help to protect you against obesity, cancer, heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.
“Ideally children should be doing between 30 minutes and an hour of exercise around 5 times a week. Most children could benefit from being a bit more active and eating more healthily, as could most adults.”
For more information about First Response Training’s Nutrition and Healthy Eating course please call free phone 0800 310 2300 today.
The study, conducted by the University of West England (UWE) found that over a third of schools involved in the Food For Life Partnership (FFLP) had been judged outstanding by Ofsted, compared to just 17.3% before they joined the scheme.
More than 3,600 primary and secondary schools are participating in the FFLP, which is being funded by a £16.9 million lottery grant. It is made up of four charities – the Soil Association, Health Education Trust, Garden Organic and Focus on Food Campaign. The project works to encourage school children to grow, cook and eat more healthy food. The schools work towards bronze, silver and gold awards, judged on their approach to food education, quality, culture and community engagement.
The UWE study analysed 48 of the primary schools involved. It found that the number of children eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day had risen by 5% since their school joined the project. Researchers also found that the project was benefiting pupils in their home life, as 45% of parents surveyed said that their family was now eating a healthier diet.
FFLP Director, Libby Grundy, said: “The UK has the highest rate of childhood obesity in Europe, with almost a quarter of adults and about one in ten children classed as obese, and a further 20-25% of children overweight.
“The UWE evidence shows that our programme has made a positive difference to improving diet and this in turn is having a knock-on effect on behaviour and attainment.”
Obesity rates among children and adults in Britain continue to rise. Only a small minority of people are eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and this is having a significant impact on health and lifestyles in Britain. Many children are now obese and have already developed unhealthy eating habits.
First Response Training believes that people need to be better educated in health and nutrition to ensure they understand the implications of an unhealthy diet and are aware of the type of foods they should be eating.
Perry Leeks, Managing Direct at First Response says: “We offer a Nutrition and Healthy Eating training course, which is suited to a wide audience, including those who work with children. It is just 3 hours in duration and provides delegates with knowledge about leading a healthy lifestyle, as well as guidelines about how to maintain weight and calorie control.”
Lorraine Prothero, the First Response Training Officer who helped to develop the course, says: “The best way to a healthier, longer life is to eat a nutritionally balanced diet which is composed of the five major food groups. Eating a variety of foods from each group can help to protect you against obesity, cancer, heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.
“Ideally children should be doing between 30 minutes and an hour of exercise around 5 times a week. Most children could benefit from being a bit more active and eating more healthily, as could most adults.”
For more information about First Response Training’s Nutrition and Healthy Eating course please call free phone 0800 310 2300 today.
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