The health of young children in Pembrokeshire has come under the spotlight with the launch of a new strategy.
The Food and Health Strategy for Early Years Settings aims to provide a consistent approach to nutrition and health.
It is targeted towards people who have responsibility for young children in early years settings, including childminders, pre-school staff, and schools.
The strategy is part of a drive to improve the health and wellbeing of people across the county through Health Challenge Pembrokeshire.
"Good nutrition in early years is tremendously important," said Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and the Welsh language, who launched the strategy.
"Not only do children need a healthy diet for normal growth and development, but their early experience of food will shape their long-term eating habits."
The document contains advice relating to food and health issues such as how to provide nutritionally balanced menus, lunch boxes, snacks and drinks. There is also guidance on many other topics, including oral health, food handling, physical activity, the link between food and fitness, and the influence of carers as key role models.
The strategy reflects and embodies advice from the Welsh Assembly Government and is part of a set of guidance developed in Pembrokeshire for children and young people.
It builds on the excellent work of the 'Eat Right, Smile Bright' project and the 'Food and Health Strategy for Schools and School Site Leisure Centres'.
Pembrokeshire County Council, the National Public Health Service, and the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership, together with other partners, has a key role in promoting health and wellbeing. In Pembrokeshire, this has been addressed through a partnership of agencies to form a Food and Health Group for Early Years Settings. The group includes representatives from a range of organisations.
The guidance is commended to all early years settings as a model of good practice with the recommendation that the objectives are implemented.
The launch was well attended and received, with representatives from playgroups, nurseries, childminders, family centres, the Local Health Board, National Public Health Service, Pembrokeshire and Derwen Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership.