A cross-sectional observational study of the nutritional intake of UK primary school children from deprived and non-deprived backgrounds: implications for school breakfast schemes

BACKGROUND: This study examined the nutritional intake of 9-11 year old children in Wales, UK, to assess the rationale for, and potential of, school breakfast initiatives. It also examined the possible unintended consequence of over consumption. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional observational design within a randomized controlled trial of a free school breakfast programme. A total of 111 primary schools were randomly assigned to an intervention condition (in which a free school breakfast programme was implemented) or a control condition (in which implementation of the scheme was delayed). Sub-samples of children completed multiple-pass 24-hr dietary recall interviews at baseline (n = 581), and 12 months later (n = 582). Deprivation was assessed for each child in terms of whether or not they were entitled to free school meals. RESULTS: Prior to the introduction of the programme, rates of breakfast skipping were low and there was little evidence of widespread nutritional deficiency. However, there was a subset of children who consumed inadequate levels of a range of vitamins and minerals and 29 % of children ate very little for breakfast (less than 100 kcal). Children that ate larger breakfasts, had higher daily intakes of all nutrients that were examined. Children from deprived backgrounds consumed significantly lower levels of several vitamins and minerals at breakfast. Following the introduction of the breakfast scheme in intervention schools, there was little difference in the nutritional quality of school versus home breakfasts (n = 35 and 211 respectively). Where children ate breakfast at both school and home (n = 33), their overall energy intake was higher, but not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: Although the overall diet of this group of children was generally good prior to the breakfast scheme, the results suggest that such schemes could be beneficial for a subset of children who are poorly nourished and for those children who consume very little for breakfast. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18336527

Nutrition and Learning in the Australian Context

Good nutrition plays a key role in promoting physical and mental health throughout the lifespan. In exploring the link between nutrition and health, research confirms that dietary practices are particularly important during the early years of life. Good nutrition promotes immune function and supports the rapid growth that occurs during the childhood years, while helping children to develop healthy lifelong behaviours. In addition to positive health outcomes, there is evidence that good nutrition enhances brain function. For example, a healthy diet supports optimal learning capacity and cognitive ability, and enhances concentration, IQ scores and academic achievement. Despite this, many Australian children are consuming a diet that is characterised by increased consumption of foods with limited nutrient content. Disparities in nutrition and educational outcomes across diverse population groups also prompts consideration of broader social determinants of health. For example, strong scientific data indicates correlations between socio-economic disadvantage and poorer diets amongst children. The interconnectedness between nutrition and educational outcomes provides opportunities for teachers and schools to support and promote the role of nutrition for learning. Learning for nutrition equally shapes the work of teachers and schools. In considering the interdependence between nutrition and learning, and the broader factors that shape Australian children’s diets, this chapter investigates the importance of nutrition for learning, as well as learning for nutrition. In particular, we focus on diverse skills and competencies that can be developed across the primary years within the classroom. We then conclude with a brief discussion of the role of schools in promoting nutrition, through the promotion and availability of healthy food options for all children