Transform Children’s Health with the Professional Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and practical skills in child nutrition. The course explores the nutritional needs of infants, toddlers, and older children, focusing on promoting healthy growth, development, and overall wellbeing. Learners gain insight into dietary planning, nutrient requirements, feeding practices, and strategies for preventing common nutritional deficiencies. The programme is structured to provide a clear, evidence-informed approach, enabling learners to apply their knowledge confidently in practical or professional settings. This course is not Ofqual regulated, but it is designed to meet professional learning standards.
Throughout the course, participants learn about the role of macro- and micronutrients, the impact of nutrition on immunity, and ways to support healthy eating habits in children. The curriculum also addresses challenges such as picky eating, food allergies, and childhood obesity, offering practical solutions for caregivers and professionals. Emphasis is placed on understanding developmental stages, creating balanced meal plans, and applying ethical considerations in child nutrition. Learners are guided through interactive case studies, practical examples, and applied strategies, ensuring they gain both theoretical understanding and actionable skills. The diploma aligns with recognised certifications and professional diplomas in nutrition, health, and child wellbeing.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition provides learners with a structured and flexible learning experience suitable for healthcare workers, nutritionists, childcare professionals, and anyone interested in promoting optimal child health. The course balances scientific understanding with practical application, making complex concepts accessible and relevant. By the end of the programme, participants will have strengthened their knowledge of pediatric nutrition, developed confidence in creating and managing child-focused nutrition plans, and enhanced their professional credibility. This diploma also complements a range of professional certifications and diplomas in health, nutrition, and childcare-focused fields.
Study Units
- Introduction to Paediatric Nutrition and Child Growth (3 hours)
- Breastfeeding, Bottle-Feeding, and Weaning Practices (4 hours)
- Nutritional Requirements of Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers (3 hours)
- Meal Planning and Balanced Diets for School-Age Children (4 hours)
- Adolescent Nutrition and Nutritional Needs During Puberty (6 hours)
- Managing Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Special Diets (4 hours)
- Preventing and Addressing Childhood Obesity and Undernutrition (3 hours)
- Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits and Behavioural Approaches (3 hours)
Entry Requirements
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition is designed to be accessible while ensuring learners can fully benefit from the course content. To support successful engagement, the following entry requirements are recommended:
- Age Requirement: Learners should be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment to ensure readiness for professional-level content.
- Educational Background: A basic educational foundation is required. Learners with related diplomas or certificates—such as nutrition, dietetics, childcare, healthcare, psychology, or health and wellbeing—may find it easier to relate to the course material and apply learning effectively.
- Language Proficiency: As the course is delivered in English, learners should have sufficient reading and comprehension skills to fully engage with learning materials, case studies, and assessments.
While prior work experience in childcare, nutrition, healthcare, or related fields is beneficial, it is not mandatory. These entry requirements are designed to create an inclusive learning environment while ensuring participants can effectively understand and apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course.
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Paediatric Nutrition and Child Growth (3 Hours)
- Understand the relationship between nutrition and healthy growth in children
- Identify stages of child development and their specific nutritional needs
- Recognise indicators of normal and delayed growth patterns
- Explore how nutrition impacts physical, cognitive, and emotional development
- Develop foundational knowledge to support age-appropriate dietary planning
Breastfeeding, Bottle-Feeding, and Weaning Practices (4 Hours)
- Explain the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding and formula feeding
- Compare feeding methods and best practices for each stage
- Understand safe and effective weaning techniques
- Learn strategies for introducing complementary foods gradually
- Support caregivers in making informed feeding choices
Nutritional Requirements of Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers (3 Hours)
- Identify key nutrients necessary for early childhood development
- Plan age-appropriate meals to meet energy and nutrient requirements
- Address common feeding challenges in toddlers and young children
- Recognise developmental milestones related to nutrition
- Promote healthy eating habits from an early age
Meal Planning and Balanced Diets for School-Age Children (4 Hours)
- Develop balanced meal plans aligned with dietary guidelines
- Understand portion sizes and nutrient distribution for growing children
- Promote healthy food choices in school and home environments
- Encourage involvement of children in meal selection and preparation
- Address practical strategies for maintaining variety and balance in meals
Adolescent Nutrition and Nutritional Needs During Puberty (6 Hours)
- Explain how puberty affects nutritional requirements
- Identify key nutrients for bone health, hormonal balance, and cognitive function
- Support adolescents in making independent, healthy food choices
- Address common dietary challenges and peer influences
- Promote lifelong healthy habits through education and guidance
Managing Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Special Diets (4 Hours)
- Recognise signs and symptoms of common food allergies and intolerances
- Learn to manage exclusion diets safely and effectively
- Plan nutritionally balanced meals for children with dietary restrictions
- Understand legal and safety considerations in school and childcare settings
- Develop strategies for inclusive mealtime planning
Preventing and Addressing Childhood Obesity and Undernutrition (3 Hours)
- Identify risk factors and early signs of obesity and undernutrition
- Understand the long-term impact of poor nutrition on child health
- Apply strategies to promote healthy weight management in supportive ways
- Encourage positive lifestyle habits for children and families
- Implement preventive measures in home, school, and community settings
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits and Behavioural Approaches (3 Hours)
- Use behavioural strategies to promote positive mealtime experiences
- Understand the influence of family, media, and environment on eating behaviours
- Encourage lifelong healthy habits through education and role modelling
- Support parents and caregivers in establishing consistent routines
- Reinforce healthy attitudes towards food and nutrition in daily life
Target Audience
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition is designed for individuals who want to develop expertise in child nutrition and promote healthy growth and development. It is ideal for learners seeking practical knowledge to support children’s dietary needs, whether for professional practice or personal development.
Healthcare and Nutrition Professionals
- Dietitians and nutritionists specialising in pediatric care
- Healthcare workers supporting child health and development
- Nurses and medical practitioners interested in nutrition-focused care
- Community health officers working with children and families
- Professionals aiming to enhance knowledge of child growth and dietary needs
Childcare and Early Years Practitioners
- Nursery and preschool staff seeking to improve nutritional care
- Childminders and daycare providers managing children’s meals
- Early years educators integrating health and wellbeing into daily routines
- Support staff in schools and after-school programmes
- Professionals ensuring age-appropriate nutrition and safe feeding practices
Parents and Caregivers
- Parents interested in understanding nutritional needs of children
- Guardians seeking guidance on healthy feeding and weaning practices
- Family members managing diets for children with allergies or intolerances
- Caregivers aiming to establish positive eating habits
- Individuals supporting healthy growth and lifestyle for children at home
Coaches and Sports Professionals
- Youth sports coaches supporting energy and nutrient needs of athletes
- Fitness instructors working with children and adolescents
- Professionals developing meal plans for young athletes
- Trainers guiding healthy growth alongside performance goals
- Coaches focused on building resilience, energy, and stamina through nutrition
Individuals with Related Educational Backgrounds
- Learners with diplomas or certificates in nutrition, health, or childcare
- Students of dietetics, psychology, or health sciences seeking applied knowledge
- Professionals with experience in holistic wellbeing or lifestyle education
- Those interested in complementary certifications in pediatric or child nutrition
- Individuals aiming to strengthen professional credentials in child health
This course provides a comprehensive and flexible learning pathway, equipping learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to support children’s nutritional needs effectively in both personal and professional settings.
