The Food Teacher, headed by Katherine Tate has launched a new award for nurseries and schools for ages 3+ to support food education and improve long-term health.

It is crucial to introduce children to the value of eating healthy and understanding the link between what we eat and our overall health. This has become especially important during the crisis but sharing good practice and keeping on top of education will help.

The Food Teacher team have been working with schools since 2014 and launched their first Young Chef award for 9 to 11 year olds in 2017. Feedback from many schools highlighted the need for food and nutrition education to begin as early as possible to ensure that children develop chef skills, hygiene awareness, a basic understanding of nutrition and practical experience.

Therefore, The Food Teacher decided to launch a Younger Chef award last year for ages 6 to 7 and this year sees the launch of their Youngest Chef award for ages 3+.

The award is a ‘Mini Muncher Challenge’ themed around the story of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carle. Children learn basic, age appropriate chef skills, food hygiene and safety, nutrition, the benefits of choosing healthy snacks and staying hydrated. Make at home recipes are also included to engage parents/carers. During each session, the children create a different snack e.g. a celery caterpillar or watermelon pizza slice. No heat is required throughout the challenge and only minimal equipment so it’s easy for nurseries and/or schools to deliver.

Once signed up they receive access to the website, which contains everything required for delivery including lessons plans printable resources and teaching videos. They also receive copies of The Food Teacher’s two award-winning books, printed posters for the classroom and stickers and medals for the children.

Local celebrity chef, radio presenter and best-selling author Patti Sloley presents the teaching videos, which are engaging and fun. Speaking about this matter, Patti stated:

‘Introducing young children to nutritious food is a great way to get them started on a healthy life. Working with youngsters is totally inspiring and I hope this award will excite them to get making food.’

Fingertips Preschool, Forest school and Woodland Nursery in Harpenden have been involved in the development of the award and are looking ahead with enthusiasm to teaching the material

Early Years Head Teacher Jenny Herbaut added:

‘I’m very excited about the up and coming award it’ll be enthralling seeing children engaged in nutrition and how they can eat healthily. In the long-term this will positively impact their development.’

The award is being launched on Wednesday 1st July via a local business collaboration and take over of The Food Teacher’s social media channels by pennybird and camera who will showcase the passion and impact of The Food Teacher.

Katharine Tate says:

‘Teaching children the importance of food for their health is essential and this award starts that process off at a very young age. The long-term impact of food and nutrition education on life long health should never be underestimated.’

Anyone who wants to find out more can follow The Food Teacher on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday 1st or visit: http://youngchefoftheyear.com/