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Children banned from having birthday cakes

11 May 2010 [13:44] - TODAY.AZ
A string of nurseries have banned children from having sweets or cake to celebrate birthdays under a new healthy eating initiative.
The "Pre-School Nutrition Project", which was set up by Knowsley Borough Council and Chester University, sets out strict rules for nurseries which critics claimed risk "spoiling childhood".

Sweets and cakes brought in for children's birthdays cannot be eaten in the nursery, but must be handed to parents at the end of the day.
 
Julie Tierney, the Assistant Public Health Director behind the scheme, said: "Our Health & Wellbeing's Early Years Healthy Eating Guidelines encourage nurseries to provide healthy snacks and treats for all children in their care, and encourages them to choose foods and drinks that are not high in sugar as part of a healthy lifestyle.

"It is important that special days are celebrated and nurseries are innovative and creative in the way that they do this without the need to give foods high in sugar."

But Nick Seaton, who chairs the Campaign for Real Education, condemned the scheme.

"I am all for nurseries encouraging children to eat healthier. But banning sweets on birthdays is taking it too far," he said.

"Diet is all about moderation and judgement. The powers that be should not be spoiling childhood all together.

"If you ban things completely some children will obviously rebel and it can be counter productive."

The scheme will be evaluated by researchers at Chester University, and a final report will be delivered to council chiefs on May 28. 


/Telegraph.co.uk/
URL: http://www.today.az/news/interesting/67643.html

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