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