Course Overview
Meal and snack times are an important part of every child’s day.
They provide opportunities for children to develop confidence, independence, communication skills, social relationships and positive attitudes towards food. When approached thoughtfully, mealtimes can become valuable learning experiences that support children’s overall wellbeing and development.
This practical CPD-accredited course explores how Early Years practitioners can create calm, positive and inclusive mealtime environments that help children feel safe, respected and confident.
Throughout the course, learners will explore why meal and snack times matter, how to support children’s independence, encourage children to try new foods without pressure, understand picky eating and sensory differences, and promote meaningful social interaction and conversation.
The course also looks at supporting babies and younger children at mealtimes, recognising children’s individual needs and creating experiences that help build healthy relationships with food from an early age.
Designed specifically for Early Years practitioners, childcare providers, childminders, room leaders and managers, this course focuses on practical strategies that can be applied immediately within everyday practice.
By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to create positive mealtime experiences that support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
What You’ll Learn
✔ Why meal and snack times are important learning opportunities
✔ How to create calm and positive mealtime environments
✔ Supporting children’s independence and self-help skills
✔ Encouraging children to try new foods without pressure
✔ Understanding picky eating and food refusal
✔ Supporting children with sensory differences at mealtimes
✔ Promoting communication, social interaction and friendships
✔ Supporting babies and younger children during meal and snack times
✔ Creating positive relationships with food
✔ Developing inclusive and child-centred mealtime practice
Course Details
Duration: Approximately 2 Hours
Assessment: 10-question multiple-choice assessment
Pass Mark: 80%
Certificate: CPD Certificate issued upon successful completion
Suitable For:
- Early Years Practitioners
- Nursery Practitioners
- Childcare Providers
- Childminders
- Room Leaders
- Early Years Managers
- Students and Volunteers working within Early Years settings