Healthy eating is not just about what we put on the plate. It is about educating children and providing them with the knowledge and independence to make healthy choices that will leave them in good stead for the future.
We encourage the children to help grow and cultivate their own food which we prepare for our meals. This includes picking plums, blackberries or apples in our orchard ready for snack time, or growing a wide range of vegetables in our vegetable patch to cook for our meals.
We follow the DfE EYFS Nutrition guidance and the nursery is currently completing the Nourishing Our Future award. The NOF award has been co-created in response to the Nourishing Our Future research, led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and commissioned by Essex County Council (ECC) Public Health, and in partnership with local early years settings, ECC Public Health, ECC Education and ARU.
Completing the award demonstrates our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and shared learning and how we champion children’s lifelong health and wellbeing through collective action and excellence.
At the nursery we believe that mealtimes should be happy, social occasions for children and staff alike. We promote shared, enjoyable positive interactions at these times.
Each child has their own named drinking water bottle, which is always available and we are committed to offering children healthy, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks, which meet individual needs and requirements.
At mealtimes children will be encouraged to use cutlery and there will be a family atmosphere, where conversation will be encouraged along with good table manners. Wherever possible children will be encouraged to prepare their own food as they become more independent.
At our setting children have the opportunity to take part in cooking workshops and activities in addition to learning about healthy eating and sustainability. We ensure that all food allergies or dietary needs are taken into account during any healthy eating or cooking activity.
