The relationship between child nutrition and school outcomes
On Wednesday 12 October WBL held a round table discussion with academics, policy makers and other interested parties to discuss the findings of a review of the literature across disciplines of medicine, public health, psychology and sociology, and current policy on the relationship between child nutrition and school outcomes.
The three-hour round table, chaired by the WBL Director, Leon Feinstein, showcased the findings of the review and research from academics Pauline Emmett from the Unit of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology at the University of Bristol; and Kathryn Bullen and Michelle Lee from the Department of Psychology at the University of Wales at Swansea.
Following presentation of the review findings by Annik Sorhaindo, Kate Bullen and Michelle Lee presented their research on glucose and cognition and children's understanding of health education messages on diet. Dr Emmett presented her work on the quality of food eaten in schools: school dinners vs packed lunches.
The second half of the discussion was policy focussed. Leading the discussion were Colin Noble, Acting Head of the National Healthy School Standard, Health Development Agency and Pip O'Bryne, Chair of 4Children.
The main outcome of the round table was the importance of establishing healthy eating habits in children early in life and the challenges with designing and implementing policies that engage parents and enable schools and communities to provide healthy foods for their children.
WBL plans to further explore these issues by analysing longitudinal data; the findings of which will be presented at in March.
Further information on this project.
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