Setting the Table was published on 8 October 2024. It aims to ensure that children from birth to 5 years in childcare settings across Scotland are given meals, snacks and drinks that meet their nutritional requirements and are conducive to good health.

Regulated childcare providers for children aged 0-5 years who provide food (including snacks) and/or drinks will be responsible for the implementation of this guidance. It will apply to all providers who serve food or drinks, including local authority and private, voluntary, or independent settings, family centres, childminders, playgroups and caterers who provide food or drinks for early years settings, regardless of the length of time that children are being cared for.

The expectation is that the guidance will be fully implemented by 1 August 2025 in order to provide time for settings to familiarise themselves with its contents and make changes where necessary. The Care Inspectorate won’t be inspecting against the updated document until after August 2025.

You can read the Guidance here: