FOOD AND MENU
Both myself and Craig (my husband and my assistant) have Food Hygiene Certificates (and Craig trained as a chef) which enables us to prepare food for the children in our care. We are fully compliant with the changes in legislation for the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations, effective December 2014.
My personal preference is to offer home cooked healthy options as opposed to processed food in my setting and I believe a balanced healthy nutritious diet is essential to all children in my care and teach the children accordingly about diets and associated benefits. I actively encourage all parents to be involved in their child’s healthy eating regime and offer the parents any advice I can to improve their child’s diet and am available to discuss any dietary related issues as necessary. I also actively encourage children to help and learn in the kitchen according to their age and ability whenever possible.
Other dietary requirements including vegetarian, medically required diets (such as coeliac and dairy free) and cultural wishes are also catered for.
Normally I provide food for all the children within my care, but if a parent wishes then they may supply all the food needed for their child.
Fresh drinking water is available and accessible at all times. Each child has their own drinking cup (never shared) and I do not allow fizzy drinks within my setting.
Parents will need to provide adequate sterilised bottles and forumula (if appropriate).
Meals are offered to children depending on their hours within my care. Examples of menus available include the following:-
Breakfast:
Toast (wholemeal or white bread) – alone or with jam, marmite, etc
Eggs (scrambled, poached or boiled) / Omlette / Pancakes
Cereal (several options available including weetabix and porridge)
Yoghurt / Fresh fruit (variable according to season)
Lunch:
Sandwiches (wholemeal or white bread) / Rolls / Pitta Bread /
Crumpets / Muffins / Scotch Pancakes / Malt Loaf
Fillings for the above could include: meat, cheese, salad, jam, marmite
Home-made bread / home-made rolls
Yoghurt / Raisins
Fresh fruit (variable according to season)
Cheese (squares or chunks – from block of cheese rather than processed pre-bought strips
Strips/batons of cucumber, carrot, pepper, etc / Cherry tomatoes
Items such as crisps, biscuits and cakes may occasionally be offered, but not routinely – healthier versions when offered (ie baked biscuits, fruit bars, fruit flakes)
Dinner:
(Served at 5pm, with weekly menu displayed within the Setting, wherever possible eating as a family)
Options may include some of the following:-
Pasta
Roast Dinner (chicken or pork) / Stir Fry
Shepherds Pie / Lasange / Meat Pie / Fish Pie
Spaghetti Bolognese/ Stews
Salad / Flan / Quiche / Frittata
Curry with rice / Chilli Con Carne
Snacks:
Fresh fruit (variable according to season)
Vegetable sticks such as cucumber, carrots, celery
Rice cakes
Breadsticks
Other items from the lunch menu
