MEAL POLICY
Introduction
This policy outlines Nelmes Pre-School’s approach to providing nutritious food and promoting positive eating habits. We recognize the importance of healthy, balanced meals in supporting children’s growth, development and learning.
Aims
• To provide children with healthy, balanced and age-appropriate snacks.
• To encourage children to enjoy a variety of foods and develop good eating habits.
• To work in partnership with parents and carers to support children’s needs.
• To ensure all food provided complies with current food safety and allergy legislation.
Nelmes Pre-School promotes healthy eating to support children’s growth, development and well-being. We encourage positive mealtime experiences and aim to work in partnership with families.
Meals and Snacks Provided
Morning Snack Toast, fresh fruit, water.
Afternoon Snack Healthy Options such as fruit, rice crackers, bread sticks, raisins.
Drinks Water.
Children should bring to school fresh water, in a water bottle, which will be available for children to drink at-all-times. Staff will refill with water as necessary.
Packed Lunch (Supplied by Parents/Carers)
• Contents of child’s lunch box should be healthy and meet the nutritional needs of your child.
• We encourage a variety of foods to support good eating habits.
• Sugary, salty and highly processed foods should be omitted from lunch boxes.
Healthy Eating
• Snacks are planned to meet children’s nutritional needs.
• We encourage a variety of foods to support good eating habits.
• Sugary, salty and highly processed foods should be omitted from lunch boxes.
Food from Home (ie. Packed Lunch Boxes and/or Snacks)
• We request no sweets, fizzy drinks, or nut products to ensure safety and inclusivity.
• Packed lunches should be balanced (eg: sandwich/wrap, fruit/veg, dairy, and a healthy snack).
Allergies and Dietary Needs
• All allergies and intolerances must be shared with staff in writing.
• Individual dietary requirements will always be respected.
• Nelmes Pre-School operates a nut-free policy.
Mealtime Approach
• Mealtimes are calm, social and enjoyable.
• Staff sit with children encouraging good manners and independence.
• Children are never forced to eat – but gently encouraged to try new foods.
Partnership with Parents
• Typical snack time foods are detailed on our website.
• We welcome cultural or religious preferences.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns with staff.
Suggested Healthy Lunch Box Snacks
Safety Note
Always cut food into age-appropriate sizes to prevent choking (ie. Halve grapes lengthwise, slice cherry tomatoes, cut hard foods into thin sticks).
Fruit & Veg
• Apple slices (skin on or peeled, depending on age and child preference).
• Banana chunks
• Seedless grapes (halved longways)
• Berries, Strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
• Sliced pears, peached or plums, (stone removed)
• Carrot sticks or cucumber sticks
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Steamed vegetable sticks, broccoli, green beans, sweetcorn.
Dairy & Protein
• Cubes of mild cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)
• Yoghurt (plain or low sugar, with fruit.
• Cream cheese on crackers
• Hummus with veggie sticks
• Cottage cheese with fruit
Grains
• Wholegrain crackers
• Rice-cakes (plain or lightly topped with cheese/avocado)
• Wholemeal pitta fingers
• Mini sandwiches with healthy fillings (cheese, hummus, avocado)
• Oatcakes
• Homemade muffins (low sugar, with fruit/veg like banana, carrot, zucchini
Combination Snacks
• Apple slices
• Yoghurt with fruit and oats sprinkled on top
• Miniwrap with cream cheese and cucumber
• Small fruit salad pot
