Award in Paediatric Nutrition (EQF/MQF Level 4)

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Award in Paediatric Nutrition (EQF/MQF Level 4)

About Course

The Teaching, Learning and Assessment Procedures are designed to ensure that participants develop comprehensive knowledge and practical competencies in paediatric nutrition through a structured and engaging approach. Core theoretical concepts are delivered through interactive lectures that combine live and pre-recorded sessions, encouraging active participation, questions, and discussion to reinforce understanding. Demonstrations by instructors illustrate strategies to prevent food hypersensitivity outcomes and outline appropriate responses when such outcomes occur. Participants further consolidate their learning through hands-on practice using scenario-based activities, while group work promotes peer interaction, collaborative problem-solving, and shared learning experiences. Case studies in paediatric nutrition enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills in varied real-world contexts. Learning is reinforced through quizzes and written assessments, alongside video tutorials that visually explain complex procedures and support independent study. Continuous assessment of practical skills throughout the programme ensures that participants achieve the required competencies prior to certification. Assessment is structured across modules to reflect both engagement and mastery. For Modules 1–3, assessment comprises 10% participation, 20% online quiz, and 70% assignment or presentation. Module 4 includes 10% participation and 90% assignment or presentation. Clear instructions, deadlines, and constructive feedback are provided for each task, with assessments designed for online submission to promote accessibility, engagement, and accountability. A percentage-based grading system supported by detailed rubrics ensures transparency and fairness. Performance levels are defined as follows: 91–100 (Outstanding), 75–90 (Good), 50–74 (Satisfactory), and 0–49 (Unsatisfactory). Participants who miss 20% or more of the lessons will not be eligible to receive the certificate.

Recognise and respond appropriately to food hypersensitivity in children, including the ability to create safe and nutritious meal plans that accommodate allergen restrictions.
Assess and meet the dietary needs of children with specific medical, developmental, or cultural requirements through tailored nutritional strategies.
Identify signs of paediatric malnutrition and apply physical assessment techniques to support accurate nutritional evaluations and interventions.
Demonstrate knowledge of common eating disorders in children and develop effective, evidence-based intervention strategies to support recovery and healthy eating behaviours.
Understand the psychological relationship children form with food and apply practical techniques to foster a positive and balanced approach to eating.
Address weight-related concerns in paediatric populations, including the ability to manage cases of underweight and overweight through appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Educate and guide parents and caregivers on safe, nutritious, and age-appropriate food choices to support their child’s health and development.
Support healthy growth and development in children, emphasising the promotion of long-term healthy lifestyle habits from early childhood.
Adapt feeding strategies to meet individual challenges in paediatric feeding, including sensory issues, developmental delays, or medical conditions.
Evaluate the use of nutritional supplements in children, ensuring safe and effective integration into paediatric dietary plans when necessary.
Explain the causes, and symptoms of food hypersensitivity in children, and identify strategies for planning safe and nutritious meals that meet specific dietary needs.
Describe the dietary requirements of children with specific nutritional needs, including those related to medical conditions, developmental differences, and cultural practices.
Identify the signs and causes of paediatric malnutrition and demonstrate understanding of assessment tools and techniques used to evaluate nutritional status in children.
Recognise common eating disorders in children and explain evidence-based strategies for early intervention and support.
Discuss the psychological relationship between children and food, and outline techniques to foster a positive and healthy approach to eating.
Explain the impact of underweight and overweight conditions on child development and describe appropriate nutritional interventions to support healthy weight management.
Describe methods for effectively informing and collaborating with parents and caregivers, to promote safe and nutritious dietary practices tailored to individual child needs.
Outline the key components of healthy growth and development in children and explain how nutrition supports the adoption of a healthy lifestyle from early childhood.
Identify common paediatric feeding difficulties and describe adaptive strategies to manage and support effective feeding in various contexts.
Demonstrate understanding of the appropriate use of dietary supplements in children, including indications, risks, and safe administration practices.
Identify common paediatric food hypersensitivity and apply appropriate dietary management strategies.
Recognise signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and assist in implementing allergen avoidance plans.
Assist in planning and implementing interventions for the prevention and management of malnutrition.
Recognise early signs of eating disorders in children and adolescents.
Monitor and evaluate weight trends in children in relation to age, height, and developmental stage.
Implement appropriate dietary guidance to support healthy weight gain or loss based on individual needs.
Identify age-specific nutritional requirements for infants, toddlers, and children.
Adapt standard meal plans to accommodate specific dietary needs without compromising nutritional adequacy.
Promote positive attitudes and behaviours toward food among children and caregivers.
Support strategies that encourage mindful eating and reduce mealtime stress.
Assist in implementing feeding strategies for children with developmental, sensory, or behavioural feeding difficulties.
Support safe and effective use of supplements in accordance with clinical guidelines.
MODULE 1:
Demonstrate responsibility in applying nutritional principles to promote paediatric health in daily routine.
Work to assess and plan nutritional intake for children.
Show awareness of individual differences in nutritional requirements and adapt approaches accordingly.
Collaborate with other professionals in supporting the dietary needs of children.
Reflect on learning to improve understanding and application of paediatric nutrition.
Describe the basic principles of nutrition with a focus on paediatric health.
Identify the functions of macro and micronutrients essential for a balanced diet in children.
Define dietary reference values for energy and nutrients in different stages of child development.
Outline the Healthy Eating Plate model and its application in meal planning for children.
Apply the Healthy Eating Plate model to design age-appropriate, balanced meals for children.
Interpret dietary guidelines and reference values to assess the nutritional adequacy of a paediatric diet.
Evaluate common paediatric meals and suggest improvements for nutritional balance.
Modify dietary plans to accommodate specific health conditions or developmental needs in children.
MODULE 2:
Monitor the changes that needs to be done to ensure the necessary diet requirements are met.
Create a meal plan to fulfil and support children’s nutritional needs.
Ensure a detailed and structured dietary plan accordingly to the developmental stage.
Represent the paediatric nutrition requirements in order to support children’s healthy growth.
Describe the nutritional needs of children according to their developmental stage.
Identify the changes and requirements on different stages.
Describe the nutritional relation in supporting children’s development and growth.
Plan a healthy diet plan to fulfil children’s nutritional needs.
Demonstrate the changes related to different stages of development.
Apply the diet requirements in order to support children’s growth.
MODULE 3:
Deal with various cases of malnutrition.
Ensure to plan a healthy diet plan to fulfil specific nutritional needs.
Monitor the effectiveness of the dietary plan in supporting development.
Guide how to handle challenges related to nutrition.
Identify the cases of malnutrition, undernutrition or overnutrition.
List the causes of malnutrition, undernutrition or overnutrition.
Describe different challenges that might arise.
Demonstrate specific nutritional needs in cases of malnutrition.
Use children’s diet requirement while planning their meals.
Plan how to overcome different nutritional challenges.
MODULE 4:
Ability to create supportive nutrition environments in home, childcare and school setting.
Recognise and evaluate factors that may affect children’s nutrition education.
Promote positive role modelling.
Foster a culture of healthy eating through example.
Interpret and apply the national guidelines and educational resources related to nutrition education in Malta.
Understand the role of family, childcares, schools, in early nutrition education.
Awareness of how early experiences influence long-term dietary habits.
Understand the impact of food marketing on children’s food choices.
Recognise the importance of role models in forming healthy eating habits.
Understand how home routines, shopping and play can serve as learning opportunities.
Adapt educational content to address and counter mixed messages.
Demonstrate and encourage positive eating behaviours.
How to model appropriate nutritional choices in daily life.
Create interactive activities related to mela planning, cooking, grocery shopping to teach nutrition concepts.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Paediatric Nutrition (EQF/MQF Level 4, 2ECTS, 50 Total Learning hours)
This unit introduces students, regardless of prior knowledge, to the essential principles of nutrition with a focus on paediatric health. It provides foundational knowledge on macro and micronutrients required for a balanced diet and promotes an understanding of how to prepare healthy meals using the Healthy Eating Plate model. Students will explore the importance of hydration in children’s health, examine dietary reference values for energy and nutrients in the paediatric population, and develop an awareness of how to tailor nutritional intake based on individual developmental, medical, and lifestyle needs.

Module 2: Development Stages and Nutrition (EQF/MQF Level 4, 2ECTS, 50 Total Learning hours)
On this module of paediatric nutrition course, a detailed explanation of the various changes during different development stages of the children will be given. Moreover, a healthy diet and fulfilling specific dietary needs from the early stage of pregnancy and on the following stages is essential to support children development and growth. A healthy and nutritional diet has positive impacts on children overall development including physical growth and motor skills also cognitive, emotional and social development.

Module 3: Feeding and Nutrition Challenges (EQF/MQF Level 4, 2ECTS, 50 Total Learning hours)
On this module, a detailed description about the challenges on feeding; including malnutrition, overnutrition or undernutrition. An explanation on the causes and effects in each case of malnutrition, overnutrition or undernutrition. Therefore, a healthy diet plan according to the specific needs and requirements in order to handle and manage different challenges that may arise.

Module 4: Food and Nutrition Education (EQF/MQF Level 4, 2ECTS, 50 Total Learning hours)
Nutrition education plays a fundamental role in shaping lifelong health behaviours. Initiating this education in early childhood is crucial, as habits formed in these years often persist into adulthood. A comprehensive approach that integrates families, childcare centres, schools, and the broader community ensures a consistent and supportive environment for children to develop healthy eating practices. Special emphasis is placed on the integration on national policies and frameworks guiding nutrition education in Malta.

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St. Paul’s Institute is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) as a further education institution since 2024, holding Licence No. 2024-015.
This programme is accredited under the category of Further Education by MFHEA at MQF/EQF Level 4 and carrying 8ECTS.
Next Intake: Admissions are open throughout the year.
Address: 12, Triq l-Isptar Pieta and through digital channels.
Langue of Instruction: English
Duration of Programme: 4 months
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Mode of Delivery: Blended Learning (10% face to face & 90% online)
Structure of the programme: All the modules are to be followed and taught according to their numerical order.
Pass Rates: TBA
Registration Method: Contact us on 77754444 or [email protected]
Link to Identity Malta Visa Requirements: https://www.identitymalta.com/unit/central-visaunit/

Age Requirement: Need to be at least 17 years old when the program begins.
Holding a MQF Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
Language Proficiency: Good English skills are essential. They should be comfortable communicating in English to engage effectively with course materials, teachers, and fellow students.
Identification Documents: Must have valid identification documents, like an ID card or passport, ready during the application process.
Digital Skills: Basic knowledge of using smartphones and computers is important.