Food and Nutrition
Food is of paramount importance to us, and we employ a qualified chef who create balanced, fresh, and seasonal menus. Our menus are free from Ultra Processed Foods, processed and refined sugars, and are always freshly cooked. We offer the children three hot meals a day, unless they are attending an offsite extracurricular activity where a healthy and balanced picnic is supplied, including fresh homemade soup during the colder months.
During lunch and tea bowls of fresh vegetables are always served at the start of each meal, and during breakfast fresh fruit is supplied. All meals are served family style and children are encouraged to self-serve to encourage their skills and independence and the team members sit at the table with the children to role model and promote healthy habits and table manners
Mid morning and mid afternoon a snack is a selection of fresh homemade breads or fruits and crudites, alongside milk or a suitable milk alternative. Snack is offered as a rolling snack, with children being able to join from their play at a time that suits them.
Allergy awareness and safety are of huge importance to us and children who have a specific allergy have their meals served in a specific bowl, as well as having a photo of themselves to accompany it, so they can safely identify their own meal. Additional staff presence at mealtimes is also prioritised to ensure safety.
Menus
Our chef plans their menus to include the following items:
Carbohydrates – recommended 4 portions each day including homemade bread, Ultra Processed Free wraps, pasta, rice, potatoes, couscous, or porridge.
Protein – recommended 2 portions each day including meats, fish, eggs, beans, or pulses.
Dairy/Dairy Alternatives – recommended 3 portions each day including full fat cheese, yogurt, full fat milk or plant-based alternatives.
Fruit and Vegetables – recommended 5 portions each day including fresh, seasonal options prioritising 1 portion of fruit and 4 portions of vegetables.
Healthy Drinks - recommended to be water and this is available throughout the day and at mealtimes.
Sample Menu
Cooking and Baking
All the children are involved in a cooking activity each week, often contributing to snack time. We use this opportunity to learn about different healthy food groups and encourage the children to try new things.
The older children are encouraged, in small groups, to get involved with the preparation of meals and will often choose and prepare the vegetables for the main meal each day
