Nutrition and Mealtimes

At Western Elms Nursery we believe that mealtimes should be happy, social occasions for children and staff alike. We promote shared, enjoyable positive interactions at these times.

We are committed to offering children healthy, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks, which meet individual needs and requirements.

We will ensure that:

      • Well balanced and healthy menus are planned in advance, rotated regularly and reflect cultural diversity and variation. These are displayed for children and parents to view
      • Fresh drinking water is always available and accessible.
      • Where appropriate we will carry out a risk assessment in the case of allergies and work alongside parents to put into place an individual dietary plan for their child
      • Staff set a good example and eat with the children where possible to model good table manners. During meals and snack times children are encouraged to use their manners and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and conversation is encouraged.
      • Children are given time to eat at their own pace and are not rushed.
      • Quantities offered take account of the ages of the children being catered for in line with recommended portion sizes for babies and young children.
      • No child is ever left alone when eating/drinking to minimise the risk of choking.
      • All staff who prepare and handle food are competent to do so and receive training in food hygiene which is updated every three years.
      • In the very unlikely event of any food poisoning affecting two or more children on the premises, whether or not this may arise from food offered at the nursery, we will inform Ofsted as soon as reasonably practical and in all cases within 14 days. We will also inform the relevant health agencies and follow any advice given. 

*Full policies are available to read at the nursery for all families attending, please ask a member of staff for access

Well-being in the Nursery

Well-being is a broad term that covers how you feel about yourself and your life. It encompasses the physical, emotional (and mental), social and spiritual areas of a person. Under the EYFS this is covered in the children’s personal, social, emotional development and physical development. Both of which are prime areas of learning.

Physical well-being covers everything physical to do with the body:

      • Growth and development
      • Moving and keeping physically fit
      • Caring for your health (e.g. washing, cleaning teeth, etc.)
      • Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
      • Rest and appropriate sleep patterns.

Mental and emotional well-being includes:

      • Acknowledging, expressing and coping with feelings and emotions
      • Thought processes
      • Reducing stress and anxiety.

Social well-being includes:

      • Relationships
      • Family (close and extended)
      • Friends
      • The feeling of belonging and acceptance
      • Compassion and caring approaches.

Spiritual well-being can cover the following:

      • Value and beliefs held
      • Personal identity and self-awareness.

*Full policies are available to read at the nursery for all families attending, please ask a member of staff for access.

Our Location

Western Elms Day Nursery
59 Western Elms Avenue,
Reading RG30 2AL,
United Kingdom
Tel: 01189572146
Email: [email protected]

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