Eating in the Centre

Nursery Meals/snacks

See the 3 week rolling lunch information, eligibility and application form for free nursery lunches on the council website.

Healthy Eating

In the nursery we follow a healthy eating policy. The children eat a healthy snack and lunch every day in nursery and are encouraged to be independent and use self-help skills.

Packed Lunches

Parents of children who are not eligible for a free lunch can supply a packed lunch if they do not want to purchase a nursery lunch. As a health promoting nursery we have prepared some guidelines which we ask parents to follow when preparing their child’s packed lunch.

Types of food	Examples of foods that can be provided as part of a healthy packed lunch
Bread, rice potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods	Sandwiches are an easy choice. To give a little variety, different breads and rolls such as wholemeal, granary, poppy seed, sesame seed, pitta bread, bagels and baps can be tried. Breadsticks or crackers can also be included in this group. Home-made pasta and rice salads are ideal. Fruit scones, pancakes or fruit loaf can be offered as healthier alternatives to confectionery.
Fruit and vegetables	Chopped raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, peppers or cherry tomatoes are ideal choices. A wide variety of fruit can be included. Fruits that are in season are often more economical. Include a pot of fruit salad as a change to a whole fruit. Trying out new fruits and vegetables not normally eaten by children may increase the variety of fruit and vegetables eaten at home.
Meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein	For sandwich fillings, include ham, turkey, chicken, fish, houmous and egg. Too much mayonnaise or salad cream should be avoided as these are high in fat, salt and sometimes sugar.
Milk and dairy foods	For a dessert include milk-based puddings such as yogurt, fromage frais, a small pot of custard or mousse. A small serving of cheese, e.g. cheddar, edam or mozzarella, on a sandwich could also be included as part of this group.

Nursery lunches

Packed lunches

Parents of children who are not eligible for a free lunch can supply a packed lunch if they do not want to purchase a nursery lunch. The nursery does not have any fridge storage space for packed lunches therefore it is essential that parents provide a cool pack to ensure that their child’s lunch is suitable for serving at lunch time. As a health promoting nursery we have prepared some guidelines which we ask parents to follow when preparing their child’s packed lunch.

Only plain water or milk should be provided to drink, the nursery can supply fresh drinking water.

Food group	Examples of foods that can be provided as part of a healthy packed lunch
Bread, rice potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods	Sandwiches are an easy choice. To give a little variety, different breads and rolls such as wholemeal, granary, poppy seed, sesame seed, pitta bread, bagels and baps can be tried. Breadsticks or crackers can also be included in this group. Home-made pasta and rice salads are ideal. Fruit scones, pancakes or fruit loaf can be offered as healthier alternatives to confectionery.
Fruit and vegetables	Chopped raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, peppers or cherry tomatoes are ideal choices. A wide variety of fruit can be included. Fruits that are in season are often more economical. Include a pot of fruit salad as a change to a whole fruit. Try some dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas, mango or apricots. Trying out new fruits and vegetables not normally eaten by children may increase the variety of fruit and vegetables eaten at home.
Meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein	For sandwich fillings, include ham, turkey, chicken, fish, houmous and egg. Too much mayonnaise or salad cream should be avoided as these are high in fat, salt and sometimes sugar.
Milk and dairy foods	For a dessert include milk-based puddings such as yogurt, fromage frais, a small pot of custard or mousse. A small serving of cheese, e.g. cheddar, edam or mozzarella, on a sandwich could also be included as part of this group.

Snacks

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