Food & Drink
Healthy snacks, water and a calm lunch environment. We do not provide meals; children bring a packed lunch from home.
Our Approach to Food
We provide healthy snacks, milk and fresh drinking water throughout the day. Children bring a packed lunch from home, eaten in a calm, sociable and unhurried way — we never pressure a child to eat, and support independence such as opening containers and self-feeding.
We use a rolling snack and lunch approach, helping to maintain continuous provision so children’s play and learning can continue with minimal interruption.
Children sit at the table to eat, with staff always sitting alongside them to support positive social interactions and safe mealtimes. Staff ensure that children’s faces remain clearly visible while they are eating to support appropriate supervision.
Lunchbox Guidelines
We have a no-nuts policy. If sending warm food, please use a suitable hot flask, as we do not heat food in microwaves. Please also:
- Cut small round foods (grapes, strawberries, cherry tomatoes) lengthways or into quarters, and remove stones and pips.
- Slice large fruits or hard vegetables (melon, apple, carrot) rather than small chunks.
- Cut cheese into strips rather than chunks.
- Avoid foods high in salt, such as sausages, bacon, crisps and ready meals.
Food Safety
Preparing and cutting food appropriately helps reduce choking risks. These three resources explain safe early years food practice clearly:
Allergies & Dietary Requirements
Individual dietary requirements, allergies and cultural or religious preferences are recorded and carefully managed with families.
Mealtimes as Learning
- Conversation, listening and turn-taking
- Independence — serving, pouring and self-feeding
- Trying new foods with encouragement