A Distance Learning Course of 11 Lessons

Obesity is fast turning into an "epidemic" disease, not only in adults, but in our children too. It is estimated that up to 15 % of all children in the UK are overweight or obese (Bupa). Whilst up to 34% of all children in the USA are overweight or obese (NPD Group).

"Over the last fifty years, there has been a change in the predominant concerns about the diets and health of school aged children. Historically, the focus has been on the provision of sufficient nutrients and energy in relation to current and future needs, but providing dietary balance and encouraging less sedentary lifestyles are now viewed as the main priorities". British Nutrition Foundation

With the exception of very young children (4 - 6 years old), between 40-69% of children in Britain are largely inactive, spending less than one hour a day participating in activities of moderate intensity. These findings are also consistent with a number of other recent reports concerning the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. This is a situation that is mirrored in adults and is likely to stem from the same fundamental causes.

Like many adults, British children are typically eating less than half the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. One in five (4 -18 year olds) eat no fruit at all during an average week. Poor eating and poor physical activity habits in childhood may increase the risk of health problems in later in life. The diet of a child is a factor, to varying degrees, in the development of a number of diseases, either in childhood itself or during adult life, such as obesity, iron deficiency anaemia, dental caries, coronary heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and cancer.

There is some evidence to suggest that health traits present in childhood tend to track into adult life, including body weight, blood levels of cholesterol, other blood lipids and insulin, and blood pressure.

Improving the health and nutrition of children should remain a priority for the government, health professionals, the food industry and teachers alike. But more importantly, parents should also have an active role in providing the best nutritional quality to their children. The course aims to show parents and practitioners how to improve the health and nutrition of children.

Definition
Macronutrients
Enzymes
Micronutrients
The Western Diet
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Immune System and Diet
Obesity
ADD/ADHD
Autism
Functional Foods

Qualification 1: Nutrition for Children and Adolescents Diploma

Nutrition for Children and Adolescents Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Dip after your name.

Qualification 2: Level 4 Nutrition for Children and Adolescents Award

This Course leads to an NCFE Level 4 Award Certificate for successful learners. This means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSE's are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3). In accrediting the programme at level 4, NCFE attests that its learning outcomes are at an equivalent level to a level 4 national qualification.

This award has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor. You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 110 hrs.

Available in paper or online versions. Please select at bottom of the page.

Assessment Method
After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included
All study materials
Study Guide
Full Tutor and Admin support
The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).

What is NCFE
NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that a learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. Learners successfully completing NCFE accredited programmes receive an externally accredited and nationally recognised NCFE certificate.