23rd March 2026
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| Collaboration to improve nutrition for Essex children recognised at national awards.
Essex County Council and Anglia Ruskin University have won an award for their work to improve nutrition for children in Essex. The Nourishing Our Future (NOF) programme won the Silver Award for Collaboration and Partnerships at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards. The award recognises the impact of the pioneering Essex County Council and ARU partnership. It also recognises the collaboration with Essex early years settings and local, regional, and national stakeholders. This inclusive partnership is transforming early years nutrition across the county. NOF has already engaged more than 200 Essex early years settings. It is helping children and families build healthier relationships with food. NOF began as a research project. It examined food provision and healthy eating in early years settings across Essex. The findings informed a countywide programme. The programme aims to:
The programme continues to go from strength to strength. On 14 March hundreds of people came together for the Nourishing our Future conference at ARU, Chelmsford. Almost 400 professionals attended. Attendees included representatives from Essex early years settings. Local, regional and national professionals also attended from:
The conference showcased the NOF programme and was a celebration of early years nutrition in Essex. It was also an opportunity for people to learn more about early years education and health. Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said:
“This recognition belongs to them, for the passion and commitment they give to each other and the children and families that they work with, as much as it does to the wider NOF partnership.” “It was great to meet many of the people involved in the project at the NOF Conference. The atmosphere was great and there was so much enthusiasm and dedication in wanting to improve the lives of children in Essex.” Dr Kay Aaronricks, Head of School, Education, Anglia Ruskin University said: “This award is a testament to the power of true partnership. Nourishing Our Future is changing the lives of children across Essex, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication shown by everyone involved.” “The 2026 NOF Conference, hosted by Anglia Ruskin University, celebrated the launch of the NOF Impact Report (2026) and showcased the remarkable work happening every day in early years settings across the county. It was a powerful demonstration of the commitment and dedication of the early years sector to improving young children’s food environments, food education and long-term health.” Following the success of the NOF research, the Essex Early Years NOF Award was launched. This was co-developed by the council, ARU, expert agencies and early years settings. It launched in September 2025. It aims to support settings to implement national guidance. So far, 114 Essex settings have joined, supporting 5,407 children. The award recognises nurseries, childminders and pre-schools who demonstrate excellence in nutrition practice and community impact.38 settings have already achieved their first award, and two have achieved their second. Find out more about the award. Essex Early Years Nourishing Our Future (NOF) AwardFor more information on NOF, visit https://nourishingourfuture.co.uk/ |