New healthy eating guidance issued for early-years education

As such, the government has launched a broad-ranging Childhood Obesity Plan to significantly reduce childhood obesity over the next decade, with this new guidance supporting these efforts by helping early-years settings to meet the latest government dietary recommendations.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: "This is an important milestone in introducing healthy balanced meals from a young age. With far too many children entering school already overweight or obese, early years settings play an important role in helping children to develop good habits and avoid poor health later in life."

Other key elements of the Childhood Obesity Plan include taxing sugary drinks, helping children to exercise more and cutting sugar and calories in food. Schools have also been encouraged to ensure all children are able to enjoy an hour of physical activity every day.