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The Children’s Food Trust has launched its first ever annual accreditation scheme to help schools show parents their commitment to helping children eat well.

The Children’s Food Trust Award – launched at the charity’s annual conference this week - will be open to any early years setting or school which can show it’s taking an integrated approach to offering healthy food and drink for children.

Award achievers will have shown how they meet criteria on food policies, menus, the dining experience, how staff encourage children on good eating habits, training, and on giving children opportunities to learn to cook.   

Applicants will complete an initial self-assessment free of charge, followed by a face-to-face assessment once they’re ready to proceed and join the scheme. The assessor will look at a mealtime and talk to catering staff and children in the school or early years setting.  

Those achieving the award will be able to use the award logo and will be named on the Children’s Food Trust website as an award holder, along with having access to information, news and resources throughout the year.

 Linda Cregan from the Children’s Food Trust said: “Anyone can say that they provide good food for children, but do they really deliver? Parents and carers so often ask what they should be looking for in the meals that their school or nursery provides, and on their approach to helping children learn about food. Our award offers an easy way to spot those which really are doing a fantastic job on food, and the reassurance that they have the thumbs-up from experts.”