Extremely interesting to join Ella's Kitchen and a number of leading figures from the education and early years sector earlier this week.
Ella's Kitchen was in Parliament to call on the Government to make a commitment to sensory food play, as well as including it in the early years curriculum. Doing so would have a number of benefits, both for individuals and our wider community. This has been demonstrated by research that has shown how sensory food play can 'increase a child's liking of, and willingness to try, new fruit and vegetables'.
Furthermore, considering how important a child's early years are in the formation of brain development, such sensory food play can last a lifetime, leading to positive outcomes in terms of the tendencies to explore the world and, 'help them fall in love with fruit and vegetables, whilst overcoming fears around new foods'. When considering these benefits that can truly last through life, the wider roll-out and recognition of sensory food play, seems like an incredibly useful tool in combating issues that we and the wider society face.
I look forward to seeing Ella's Kitchen campaign continue to grow to ensure all children are given the tools to be able to have the best starts in life to be as happy and healthy as possible.