Nutrition at our West Sussex and Hampshire Day Nurseries
At The Nursery Family we support children in making healthy choices about their food as they grow, so our fabulous chefs create delicious, nutritionally-balanced, home-cooked meals that are full of fresh ingredients.
Our menus are updated regularly to allow the use of seasonal produce and the introduction of new flavours and textures. This includes foods from the different cultures we have within nursery.
Children also enjoy a range of healthy snacks that are also prepared by our chefs.
Allergies, food sensitivities and other special dietary requirements
As part of the induction process at our nurseries, parents are asked whether their children have any food allergies, sensitivities or special dietary requirements.
If they do, this information is shared with the nursery chef and all staff within the setting. Paperwork is also prepared, which details each allergy, sensitivity or special dietary requirement. This paperwork is completed on a daily basis to form a record of what has been served.
Our chefs then ensure that food for any child with an allergy is prepared using a separate area of the kitchen, and separate utensils, to avoid cross contamination.
For the same reason, children with allergies and sensitivities, or any other special dietary requirements, are served their food first.
If required, we ask you to supply ‘made up’ baby formula milk in sterile bottles daily, following the Department of Health’s best practice guidelines, and we can warm bottles as needed.
In close consultation with parents/carers, we provide babies with pureed fruit, vegetables, and meals when they are ready to be weaned.
For health and safety reasons, we cannot serve homemade food, though we accept sealed baby food jars and yoghurts. Our nursery manager is happy to discuss specific dietary needs or preferences in detail with you to ensure your child’s requirements are met.
Children who start before 8.30 a.m. are offered a choice of breakfast items such as cereal, toast, muffins, or pancakes, with a variety of toppings and a drink of milk. Snack times include a range of options like fruit, vegetables, biscuits, breads, or dips. Lunch includes a hot meal and a dessert, while afternoon tea is a lighter meal.
Menus are displayed on parent notice boards, and meals are enjoyed as a social event among the children and staff.
At The Nursery Family we encourage age-appropriate independence during mealtimes, so children will help to set the table, they also use cutlery, cut up their own food, pour their own drinks, and clean their plates after they have eaten.
We also encourage social communication and age-appropriate behaviour during mealtimes, with staff modelling what we expect to see and hear.
Staff are also always present for health and safety reasons, as well as to assist the children with eating and drinking.
The cost of all meals and snacks is included in the nursery fee.
To enquire about a place or arrange a tour – Call 01403 334870