Dietary Needs

The sharing of refreshments can play an important part in the social life of the nursery as well as reinforcing children’s understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The nursery will ensure that:

• All meals and snacks provided are nutritious, avoiding large quantities of fat, sugar, salt, additives, preservatives and colourings
• Children’s medical and personal dietary requirements are respected
• Weekly menus are planned in advance and food offered is fresh, wholesome and balanced
• A multi-cultural diet is offered to ensure that children from all backgrounds encounter familiar tastes and that all children have the opportunity also to try unfamiliar foods
• The dietary rules of religious groups and also of vegetarians/vegans are known and met in appropriate ways
• Milk provided for children is whole and pasteurised
• If a main meal is offered, the following elements are included:
  o Protein for growth.
  o Carbohydrate for energy
  o Essential minerals and vitamins in raw foods like salads and fruits