The idea
We will facilitate 30 young people under 5 to partake in parent-supported cookery sessions. These will be focussed on children in the early stages of a possible disability diagnosis, but will be open to those not on a diagnosis pathway at all yet but may need some support.
We will run a weekly course that will cover varying topics of health eating and food understanding. This will be supported by a trained family advisor, who can provide support following the sessions regarding topics such as education, finance and well-being to the disabled children and the family members.
The sessions would be able support the development of positive attitudes towards food. Healthy eating supports brain function, concentration, and learning which are vital during early childhood when neural connections are forming quickly.
With parents or carers actively participating in the activity, they can model positive food experiences, encourage tasting, and support their child in exploring new foods.
What we'll deliver
- 30 under 5's partaking in hands on healthy eating workshops
- Parents in the early stages of a disability diagnosis for their child getting the support they need
- Improvement in mental and physical wellbeing for all children and parents
Why it's a great idea
Promote Healthy Eating:
• To encourage children to try new and unfamiliar foods through hands-on experience
• To reduce fussy eating by creating positive experiences of new foods
• To build an early understanding of healthy ingredients.
• To support positive mealtime behaviour
• To reinforce healthy eating through parent role modelling
Support Physical Development and Fitness:
• To promote active participation through standing, reaching, carrying and mixing,
• To develop fine motor skills and hand strength essential for early childhood development
• To improve coordination
Mental Wellbeing and Emotional Health
• To build confidence and self-esteem through achievable tasks and success
• To support emotional regulation, patience and develop focus
• To create positive emotional associations with food and mealtimes
• To strengthen parent and child relationships by sharing experiences
Tackle Inactivity
• To replace screen-based activities with active engagement
Steps to get it done
- 30 Under 5's undertaken a set of healthy eating workshops
