Early Years Nutrition: Fresh, Delicious Meals & Snacks

At Burley Nursery School, we believe that healthy, nutritious food is an important part of a happy childhood. Mealtimes are relaxed, enjoyable experiences where children are encouraged to explore new flavours, develop healthy eating habits, and feel nurtured every day.

Freshly Prepared, Home-Cooked Food

All meals and snacks are freshly prepared on-site in our fully equipped kitchen by our dedicated nursery cook. Using high-quality ingredients. Our menus are planned in accordance with the latest Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Nutrition Guidance, ensuring that children receive healthy, balanced and nutritious meals that support their growth, wellbeing and development. Wherever possible, we use organic produce and source ingredients locally. Meat is sourced from our trusted local butcher.

• Meals are freshly cooked each day on the premises to ensure quality and freshness.

• Menus are varied, nutritious, and designed to support children's growth and development.

Enjoyable Mealtimes

At Burley Nursery School, mealtimes are about much more than food. They are happy, relaxed, and sociable occasions where children and staff come together to share a meal, build relationships, and develop important life skills.

Children and staff sit together to enjoy family- style dining, where conversation, good table manners, and turn-taking are gently encouraged. This shared experience helps children feel secure and valued while supporting their confidence and social development.

Children enjoy up to three meals each day, alongside healthy snacks and drinks. Fresh drinking water is always available, and children are encouraged to access and refill their own water bottles independently, helping to promote healthy hydration and self-care.

In our Big Room, children are encouraged to serve themselves from low-level self-service stations. This approach supports independence, confidence, decision-making, and a positive relationship with food, while our caring team remains close by to offer guidance and support.

Mealtimes also provide valuable learning opportunities. Children are encouraged to learn about where food comes from, including planting and growing. Through everyday conversations, we help children understand the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet, laying the foundations for positive food choices throughout their lives.

Balanced Nutrition for Growing Children

Our menus are planned in line with current Early Years nutritional guidance to ensure children receive a varied and balanced diet that supports healthy growth, development, and wellbeing.

Meals are based around the four key food groups:

• Fruit and vegetables

• Protein foods, including meat, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, and other non-dairy sources

• Starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes

• Milk and dairy products

By providing a wide variety of nutritious foods, we help children develop healthy eating habits and a positive attitude towards food from an early age.

Allergies and Dietary Requirements

We understand that every child is unique. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure all allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and dietary requirements are fully catered for.

Our kitchen follows clear procedures for managing allergens safely, and alternative meals are provided whenever needed, ensuring every child can enjoy nutritious and appealing meals with confidence.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Food safety and hygiene are extremely important to us. We are regularly inspected by the Environmental Health Team to ensure we maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and food safety.

We are proud to hold a 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating, reflecting our commitment to providing a safe, clean, and well-managed food environment for all children.

For more information about food hygiene ratings, please visit the Food Standards Agency website.