1. Purpose

The purpose of this Food and Nutrition Policy is to promote the health and well-being of children by providing a balanced, nutritious, and safe food environment within the nursery. We are committed to offering healthy meals and snacks that contribute to the physical and developmental needs of all children in our care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, children, and parents/guardians involved in the nursery. It covers food preparation, meal planning, dietary requirements, allergies, and mealtime practices to ensure all children receive nutritious and safe food while at the nursery.

3. Principles

• To provide balanced and nutritious meals and snacks that meet the dietary needs of growing children.

• To respect individual dietary requirements and cultural preferences.

• To promote healthy eating habits and ensure a positive mealtime environment.

• To ensure safe food handling and preparation in accordance with food safety standards.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Management: Responsible for overseeing menu planning, ensuring food safety standards are met, and providing staff with necessary training on nutrition and food hygiene.

• Staff: Responsible for preparing, serving, and supervising meals and snacks, following hygiene protocols, and respecting children's individual dietary needs.

• Parents/Guardians: Responsible for informing the nursery of their child’s dietary preferences, allergies, or intolerances, and working with staff to ensure these are accommodated.

5. Menu Planning and Food Provision

Other than snacks, lunches & dinners will be provided by a 3rd party catering company daily until the nursery works toward the “Setting the Table” standard/policy and are able to safety and effectively make meals onsite – or alternatively are able to offer meals via the local council. 

The Kids Village Ltd already has been approved by the Food Standards Agency to prepare food on site and hold an up-to-date certification from them, issued in 2024.

1. Balanced Meals:

   • The nursery will provide meals and snacks that are nutritionally balanced 

   • Meals will include a variety of food groups, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins (meat, fish, or plant-based), and dairy or dairy alternatives.

   • Sugary foods, processed snacks, and foods high in saturated fat or salt will be limited.

2. Variety and Cultural Considerations:

   • The nursery will provide a variety of meals to expose children to different foods and textures, supporting healthy eating habits.

   • Cultural and religious dietary preferences will be respected. Menus will be planned with input from parents to ensure cultural foods and practices are considered.

6. Dietary Requirements and Allergies

1. Dietary Needs:

   • Parents/guardians must provide written information about their child’s dietary needs, preferences, or restrictions. This includes religious, cultural, or medical dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, halal, gluten-free).

   • The nursery will make every effort to accommodate these needs and provide appropriate alternatives.

2. Allergies and Intolerances:

   • Parents must inform the nursery of any known allergies or intolerances through the Allergy and Dietary Information Form.

   • A clear record of each child’s allergies will be maintained, and staff will be trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions.

   • The nursery will operate a nut-free environment to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions and take care to avoid cross-contamination.

   • An Allergy Action Plan will be developed for any child with severe allergies, including the use of emergency medications such as an EpiPen, where necessary.

7. Mealtime Environment and Practices

1. Positive Mealtime Environment:

   • Mealtimes will be relaxed, social occasions where children are encouraged to eat together and develop good table manners.

   • There will be a snack fridge in the central piazza (eating area) where at designated hours, the fridge will be filled with small bowls of healthy snacks where children can freely help themselves when they want a snack. This will include bowls of chopped fruit, chopped vegetables

   • Staff will model healthy eating habits and encourage children to try new foods without forcing them to eat.

2. Portion Control:

   • Portion sizes will be appropriate for the age and developmental stage of each child.

   • Children will be encouraged to listen to their hunger cues and eat until they are satisfied rather than being required to finish their plates.

3. Hydration:

   • Fresh Water will be available to children throughout the day at the water station. Children will be able to help themselves freely to water and be able to pour their own cups independently 

   • Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks, juices, or squash will not be offered, in line with government guidelines to reduce sugar intake.

   • Children will be offered milk also 

8. Food Safety and Hygiene

1. Food Handling and Storage:

   • All food will be stored, prepared, and served in accordance with Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines.

   • Perishable foods will be refrigerated immediately and prepared within safe timeframes to prevent contamination.

   • Leftover food will be discarded at the end of each meal to ensure freshness.

2. Hygiene Practices:

   • All staff involved in food preparation will have relevant Food Hygiene Training and maintain high standards of cleanliness.

   • Staff and children will wash their hands before and after handling food or eating meals.

   • Equipment and surfaces used in food preparation will be cleaned and sanitized regularly.

3. Special Precautions:

   • When preparing meals for children with allergies, special care will be taken to avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils, cutting boards, and preparation areas.

   • Allergen information will be clearly labelled on any pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods provided by external suppliers.

9. Special Events and Celebrations

• For special events such as birthdays, the nursery encourages healthy food choices (e.g., fruit platters, healthy snacks) instead of high-sugar cakes or sweets.

• If parents wish to provide food for such occasions, they must inform the nursery in advance, and all foods must comply with the nursery’s allergy guidelines and nutritional standards.

10. Parent Communication and Involvement

1. Menu Sharing:

   • Weekly or monthly menus will be shared with parents/guardians to keep them informed about the meals provided at the nursery.

   • Parents are welcome to provide feedback on the menus or suggest new meals, especially if they align with cultural or dietary preferences.

2. Home-Nursery Partnership:

   • The nursery encourages parents to reinforce healthy eating habits at home by discussing the importance of balanced nutrition with their children.

   • For children with special dietary needs, parents and nursery staff will work together to ensure consistency between home and nursery.

11. Monitoring and Review

• The nursery will review the Food and Nutrition Policy annually or as required by changes in government guidance or regulations.

• Feedback from staff, parents, and children will be used to improve food provision and ensure high nutritional standards.

• Regular audits will be conducted to ensure food safety procedures are followed, and staff are compliant with training requirements.

12. Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

This policy complies with the Scottish Guidelines