Nutritional education continued to play a vital role in our HAF Programme throughout 2024/25, with providers delivering engaging and age-appropriate activities to help children and families understand the importance of healthy eating.

Children took part in a range of learning experiences such as quizzes, colouring sheets, and discussions about food groups and how they support the body. Many sessions were hands-on, allowing children to help prepare healthy meals and snacks themselves. Several providers also hosted food tasting activities, giving children the opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables.

At one SEND-specific provision, parents shared their surprise and delight that their children returned home with a newfound liking for fruits they typically wouldn’t try. Jacqueline’s Gems went a step further by introducing children to more expensive and less commonly accessed fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, and dragon fruit—broadening their food experiences.

Children also discussed which foods were healthy and which were not, helping them develop better awareness of nutritional choices.

Parents were encouraged to get involved too, especially through initiatives like the Take and Make boxes, which included ingredients and recipes for families to cook nutritious meals together at home. Some providers also distributed healthy eating guides and other materials to support families with food education.

Children learnt about healthy eating while enjoying taste testing and food-making activities.