EYFS 2024: Food, Nutrition & First Aid – Why Staying Up to Date Matters
- Maria Haran
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
As early years professionals, we know that mealtimes aren’t just about food—they’re moments to support children's health, development, and safety - SAFEGUARDING. With the latest updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2024, now is the time to refocus on nutrition and the critical importance of choking first aid, which is why we at EYFSR will be providing a 40-minute online LIVE Zoom on May 15th (7 pm-7:45 pm £5.99pp)
What’s New in the EYFS 2024?
The updated framework places a clearer emphasis on:
✅ Providing balanced and nutritious meals and snacks
✅ Meeting individual dietary, cultural, and medical needs
✅ Encouraging healthy habits and oral health
✅ Creating opportunities for children to participate in food choices
The goal is to foster a setting where food supports physical wellbeing and independent learning from the earliest years.
Choking Hazards: Know the Risks
The EYFS update also reminds us to stay vigilant when it comes to food safety. Settings should:
Prepare high-risk foods safely (e.g. slicing grapes lengthways, cooking raw vegetables until soft)
Avoid whole nuts, popcorn, and other unsafe foods for under-5s
Ensure children are always supervised while eating
Why First Aid for Choking Needs Regular Refreshing
Choking incidents are rare but serious—and can escalate quickly. Keeping staff up to date with paediatric first aid training is essential because:
🚨 Skills fade – choking responses require quick, confident action
📖 Guidance changes – first aid protocols are regularly reviewed
👥 New staff join – everyone must be aligned and trained
🤝 Parent confidence matters – families trust you with their child’s life
Regular refresher training ensures your setting remains safe, compliant, and prepared.
How to Stay Compliant & Confident
To align with the EYFS 2024 and best practice:
✔️ Book annual Paediatric Choking refresher training with EYFSR
✔️ Review your menu and food preparation processes
✔️ Conduct food safety risk assessments and Food Safety Procedures
✔️ Include families in your policy updates to build trust and transparency
✅ Ready to Take Action?
Make sure your team is confident and compliant with choking first aid.
Book our EYFS-compliant choking refresher training Zoom scheduled for May 15th 2025
📩 Contact us at: lianne.eyfsr@outlook.com 📞 Call us on: 07739484000
🌐 Book online: https://www.eyfsrtrainingacademy.co.uk/event-details/choking-hazards-first-aid-in-early-years-live-zoom-workshop
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