Nienke de Vlieger1,2, Nicholas Riley2,3, Andrew Miller3, Clare E Collins1,2, Tamara Bucher1,2. 1. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 2. Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 3. School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: The dietary intakes of Australian children are not optimal, with few meeting recommended vegetable and fruit intake targets. Nutrition education in childhood is important for developing healthy eating patterns, with schools an ideal setting for a wide reach. The aims of this study were to examine nutrition education within the NSW primary school syllabus, explore how much time teachers spend teaching nutrition, what is taught, what materials are used, and to identify attitudes towards nutrition education. METHOD: An online survey consisting of 29 closed questions (with options for comments) was specifically developed for the purpose of this study. Teachers currently teaching at a NSW primary school were eligible to participate. RESULTS: A total of 33 NSW primary school teachers completed the survey. Results indicate that limited time is spent on teaching nutrition with some important nutrition education components currently missed, resources perceived to be inadequate and lack of time reported as the largest barrier to teaching nutrition. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the quality of nutrition education in NSW primary schools, several important topics need to be integrated into the curriculum, and time constraints of teachers should be taken into account. SO WHAT?: Findings from the current survey will inform the development of future nutrition education programs and resources with the aim of integrating nutrition education within the primary school curriculum.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: The dietary intakes of Australian children are not optimal, with few meeting recommended vegetable and fruit intake targets. Nutrition education in childhood is important for developing healthy eating patterns, with schools an ideal setting for a wide reach. The aims of this study were to examine nutrition education within the NSW primary school syllabus, explore how much time teachers spend teaching nutrition, what is taught, what materials are used, and to identify attitudes towards nutrition education. METHOD: An online survey consisting of 29 closed questions (with options for comments) was specifically developed for the purpose of this study. Teachers currently teaching at a NSW primary school were eligible to participate. RESULTS: A total of 33 NSW primary school teachers completed the survey. Results indicate that limited time is spent on teaching nutrition with some important nutrition education components currently missed, resources perceived to be inadequate and lack of time reported as the largest barrier to teaching nutrition. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the quality of nutrition education in NSW primary schools, several important topics need to be integrated into the curriculum, and time constraints of teachers should be taken into account. SO WHAT?: Findings from the current survey will inform the development of future nutrition education programs and resources with the aim of integrating nutrition education within the primary school curriculum.
Authors: Nienke M de Vlieger; Lachlan Sainsbury; Shamus P Smith; Nicholas Riley; Andrew Miller; Clare E Collins; Tamara Bucher Journal: Nutrients Date: 2021-12-31 Impact factor: 5.717