Meal Planning

We have a 5-star rating from environmental heath the highest you can receive, we run a 3 weekly menu plan, with the vast majority of our food freshly cooked on-site.

We employ a cook who provides fresh home cooked meals and snacks daily incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables to every meal and particular attention is paid to the food prepared for any child who has allergies, intolerances or religious preferences.

Meals

• Well balanced and nutritious meals are provided for the children. A variety of foods is selected from each of the four main food groups every day:-
• Bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes.
• Fruit and vegetables.
• Milk and dairy products.
• Meat, fish and other non-dairy sources of protein.

• All puddings provided are based on fruit and/or milk
• Fresh fruit is always available
• Processed meats such as sausages, chicken nuggets, fish fingers are offered at a maximum of one main meal each week. Hamburgers are always home-made.
• Healthier cooking alternatives such as oven baking, grilling is used rather than frying.
• Cultural dietary habits are respected. Parents/carers are requested to provide details of foods eaten (and not eaten) by the child.
• Special dietary requirements are respected. If possible the nursery asks that parents provide staff with a copy of the diet sheet outlining foods which their child can or cannot have
• Mealtimes are used as an opportunity for staff to encourage good social habits and an appreciation of different foods.

Snacks and Drinks

• Fresh drinking water is available at all times.
• Where possible snacks are sugar-free to avoid causing damage to teeth.
• Healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit are offered as a snack choice.
• Whole pasteurized milk or water is offered in preference to diluting juice. Should juice or squashes be offered on occasions, these are only given at mealtimes and are well diluted to the appropriate ratio i.e. 1part juice: 9 parts water.

Rewards and Special Occasions

• Staff will use praise and attention to help develop children’s self-esteem and to act as a positive reward for acceptable behaviour
• Stickers rather than sweets are used as another form of reward.

Activities

• Healthy Eating is promoted through a range of activities for the children including play, stories, outings, music, cookery etc.
• This policy will be reviewed annually by the management team to ensure it remains fit for purpose.