Early Years Nutrition: Delicious Fresh Meals & Snacks

We believe that healthy, nutritious food is an essential part of a happy childhood. At Burley Nursery School, mealtimes are relaxed, enjoyable experiences where children are encouraged to explore new flavours, develop healthy habits, and feel cared for every day.

Fresh, Home-Cooked Food

All of our meals and snacks are freshly prepared on site in our fully equipped kitchen by our dedicated nursery cook. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients, our menus place a strong emphasis on fruit and vegetables, with organic produce used wherever possible.

• Meat is sourced from our local butcher

• Meals are cooked daily on the premises to ensure freshness and quality

Mealtimes to Enjoy

Mealtimes at Burley Nursery School are about much more than eating and drinking. They are happy, relaxed, and sociable occasions where children come together with staff to enjoy food, build relationships, and learn valuable life skills.

Children and staff sit together at tables to enjoy a family-style meal, where good table manners, conversation, and turn-taking are gently encouraged. This shared experience helps children feel secure and supported, while developing confidence and social skills.

Children may enjoy up to three meals during their nursery day, depending on their hours of attendance, alongside healthy snacks and drinks. Fresh drinking water is always available throughout the day. Children have access to their own water bottles and are encouraged to refill these independently, supporting healthy hydration and self-care.

In our older room, children are encouraged to help themselves during mealtimes using low-level self-serve tables. This promotes independence, choice, and confidence, while our caring team remains close by to guide and supervise.

Mealtimes also provide rich opportunities for learning. Children are encouraged to explore where food comes from, including planting and growing produce in our nursery gardens. We talk with children about healthy eating and the benefits of a balanced diet, helping them to develop positive food habits that will support them throughout their lives.

Balanced Nutrition for Growing Children

Our menus are carefully planned in line with Early Years nutrition guidance to ensure children receive a varied, balanced diet that supports their growth and development. Meals are based on the four key food groups:

• Fruit and vegetables

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

• Starchy foods

• Milk and dairy products

Allergies and Dietary Requirements

We understand that every child is unique. All allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements are fully catered for, and we work closely with parents and carers to ensure each child’s needs are met safely and confidently. Our kitchen follows clear procedures to manage allergens, and alternative meals are provided where needed, without compromising on nutrition or enjoyment.

By offering nourishing food in a warm, supportive environment, we help children build healthy eating habits that will support them well beyond their early years.

Food Safety and Hygiene

At Burley Nursery School food safety and hygiene in extremely important to us. We are regularly inspected by the Environmental Health team to ensure that we maintain high standards of food hygiene and are pleased to say that we currently hold a five star rating for this.

For more information on this please see this website