Nutrition and Oral Health - NHS Lanarkshire

Both North and South Lanarkshire Councils are part of the concordat between
the Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. This
commits, by 2018, to reducing the rate of increase in the proportion of
children with their body mass index outwith a healthy range. For most children
who are overweight and obese, weight maintenance, rather than weight loss,
is recommended. Over time, it is hoped that children will grow in height and,
in conjunction with following a healthy, balanced diet and being physically
active, fall back within a healthy weight range. In addition, NHS Boards are
required to work towards achieving a target which details the number of
children completing a Scottish Government approved healthy weight
intervention programme. As detailed within the Policy Context, Lanarkshire has
developed a Children’s Healthy Weight Strategy which sets out a variety of
actions in relation to the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity
in children from birth to eleven years of age.
Nursery staff and childminders have an active role to play in the prevention of
weight gain in children, by helping them to develop good habits in the early
years. If staff have concerns about a child’s weight, this should be raised with
the parent or carer in a sensitive and tactful manner. Staff may also wish to
raise their concerns with an appropriate health professional. Likewise, if a
parent expresses concern over their child’s weight, staff should suggest that
they contact their Health Visitor/Public Health Nurse for further advice.
Children with additional support needs
Children, depending on their type of disability, may not be able to chew, eat
and enjoy a wide range of textures and foods. Working with parents to agree
an individualised feeding plan to be used is essential. This may involve input
from a range of professionals, including a Registered Dietitian, a Speech and
Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. Children may
require foods modified in texture, specialised feeding equipment, safe seating
and positioning for eating and a high level of one-to-one support to eat and
drink. If a parent expresses concern over their child’s eating or drinking, staff
should suggest that they contact their Health Visitor/Public Health Nurse, or an
appropriate Therapist for further advice.
Children with chronic illness may require regular, frequent medication and
therefore should be under the continuing care of a Dentist. As with all
children, parents should be encouraged to request sugar-free medicines and
pay attention to maintaining good oral hygiene.
If nursery staff and childcare providers require further information about
healthy eating for children aged one to five years, they should refer to the
national guidance document Nutritional Guidance for Early Years: food choices
for children aged 1–5 years in early education and childcare settings. This is
available to download from the Scottish Government website (see Useful
Websites section).
20 Eating Well from One to Five Years Nutrition & Oral Health