The Scottish Government has today (Tuesday 8 October) published updated ‘Setting the Table, Nutritional Standards and Practical Guidance for Early Learning and Childcare in Scotland’.
The updated guidance aims to ensure that children from 0-5 years in childcare settings across Scotland are given meals, snacks and drinks that meet their nutritional requirements and make a positive difference to their health.
You can view the updated Setting the Table
HERE. This updated guidance replaces the previous ‘Setting the Table’ guidance, which was published in 2015 and last updated in 2018, and reflects the most scientific and nutritional advice.
All early learning and childcare providers in Scotland – including all childminders – are expected to implement this guidance by August 2025. This is to provide time for you to familiarise yourself with the updated guidance, make and implement any changes into your childminding service.
The update of the guidance was led by the Scottish Government and co-produced by an expert group of key stakeholders, including Public Health Scotland, Food Standards Scotland, the Care Inspectorate, Education Scotland, NHS GGC dietetics, the Children and Young People’s Allergy Network Scotland (CYANS), Early Years Scotland, National Day Nurseries Association, the Scottish Childminding Association and Assist Scotland (representing local authority catering leads).
Setting the Table now reflects new policy developments and key changes in scientific evidence, giving childcare providers the most up-to-date standards for food provision as well as easy-to-follow steps on how to make a positive difference to a child’s nutritional intake and ultimately their future health.
CLICK HERE to read the letter from Eleanor Passmore, Deputy Director for ELC at the Scottish Government, which also includes a useful Q&A relating to the updated guidance.
Accessing the Guidance
View and read the updated Setting the Table
HERE.
- Setting the Table is a digital resource, as there are multiple links to further information, and also to keep it in line with the Scottish Government’s environmental guidance. However, there is a PDF version, alongside checklists, nutritional standards, sample menus and a recipe document available HERE which you can print if you would find them helpful.
- An audio recording of the guidance will soon be available - allowing you to listen to the guidance, and also dip in and out as required, rather than finding time to read the guidance.
Supporting You with the Guidance
To help with your understanding of the updated guidance, and to support you with incorporating it into your service, the following tools and resources have been made available:
- All practitioners from the sector are invited to an online webinar covering the updated Setting the Table guidance. This will take place on Monday 11 November from 7-8pm. You can sign up for the webinar HERE, and a recording will be made available for those who cannot join the live event.
- In addition, a short Q&A document has been shared by the Scottish Government to support you with potential questions you may have. You can access and read the Q&As HERE.