This half-day Health and Nutrition course provides care staff with essential knowledge to support safe food handling and promote balanced, nutritious diets for those in their care. It is suitable for anyone involved in preparing, serving, or assisting with food and drink in residential, supported living, or domiciliary settings.

The course covers core principles of healthy eating, hydration, and how to recognise and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Learners are introduced to the MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) — a key resource used across health and social care settings to help identify people at risk of malnutrition.

By the end of the session, staff will feel more confident supporting daily nutrition and fluid intake, recognising signs of concern, and understanding how to reduce risk.

Key Learning

• The five main food groups and their role in a healthy diet
• Understanding balanced meals using the Eatwell Plate
• The importance of hydration and preventing dehydration
• Recognising signs and symptoms of malnutrition
• Introduction to the MUST screening tool
• Reducing food-related risks in care settings
• Basic food safety and hygiene principles
• Supporting choice and dignity around mealtimes

Good nutrition and hydration are key to maintaining health and wellbeing, especially for older adults and those receiving care. This course helps care staff understand how to support individuals with their nutritional needs, recognising when someone may be at risk and taking practical steps to reduce harm.

Learners will explore what makes up a healthy, balanced diet using the Eatwell Plate, the importance of fluid intake, and how to monitor and respond to signs of dehydration or malnutrition. The course also introduces the MUST tool, a standardised, easy-to-use screening tool widely used to identify adults who are underweight or at risk of malnutrition.

In addition, the course covers food hygiene basics and the safe handling of food and drinks, reinforcing the responsibilities that come with working around meals and nutrition in care settings. The session reflects guidance from national organisations such as the Food Standards Agency, NHS, and British Dietetic Association (BDA).

Relevant Standards Covered:

Care Certificate Standard 8 – Fluids and nutrition

Care Certificate Standard 13 – Health and safety

Health and Social Care Act 2008 – Safe care and treatment

Food Safety Act 1990 – Safe food handling principles