Change4Life resources to help pupils cut sugar

Public Health England  (PHE) has developed English and Maths teaching resources for primary schools as part of the Change4Life campaign, to help pupils understand how much sugar is in their food and drink. It will also teach them about making healthier swaps to reduce their sugar intake.

This comes following Public Health England figures which show that the average 10 year old has already consumed at least 18 years’ worth of sugar.

Schools can play an important role in children’s health, as part of a broader wellbeing programme.

Developed with teachers, the new English lesson plans introduce pupils to the characters of ‘Sugar Smart World’ through fun, interactive PowerPoints, pupil-led activities, recipe ideas from around the world and a new video. Change4Life Maths lesson plans will reinforce healthier swaps, while including important problem solving skills using addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.

Through the lesson activities, children will learn that the number of extra sugar cubes they are consuming is enough to wrap around the world more than three and a half times.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “Children are consuming too much sugar and obesity is a very real threat to their health. Educating them on the importance of a healthy balanced diet in their early years can help them avoid serious illness in future.

“By making simple swaps each day, children can have healthier versions of everyday foods and drinks, while significantly reducing their sugar intake.”

The resources are flexible to use and tailored for Reception, Key Stage 1 and upper and lower Key Stage 2 pupils. They complement recently launched dental lesson plans – the first Change4Life teaching resources to help pupils understand the effects of sugar consumption on teeth.

Schools should look out for the Sugar Smart World take-home packs arriving in schools from mid-late January.

Schools can also search ‘Change4Life/schools’ online or visit the School Zone to access the new resources for schools.