Diet - Policy and Practice

The sharing of refreshments can play an important part in the social life of the pre-school as well as reinforcing children's understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The pre-school will ensure that it fulfils all the requirements of the registering authority and that:

• All meals and snacks provided are nutritious, avoiding large quantities of fat, sugar, salt, additives, preservatives and colourings

• Before a child starts to attend the group, staff discuss with parents the child’s dietary needs, including any allergies. Written details of any allergies must be provided by the parents on their registration card. In cases of severe allergies we ask that the child receives snacks prepared at home.

• Food offered is fresh, wholesome and balanced

• A diet encompassing food from a range of cultures ensures that children from all backgrounds encounter familiar tastes and that all children have the opportunity also to try unfamiliar foods

• The dietary rules of religious groups and also of vegetarians/vegans are known and met in appropriate ways

• Water is constantly available

• Children are offered food every three hours

• Milk provided for children is whole and pasteurised.

This policy was adopted at the Blakesley Pre-School Playgroup Annual General Meeting on 30th June 2003