Poppies Nursery

At mealtimes, we all eat together in small groups with an adult and are encouraged to try the freshly prepared foods of the day.
Our personal cook prepares all meals on the premises in accordance with the government guidelines for a healthy diet.
The children can also enjoy a variety of freshly baked cookies and cakes as part of their daily snacks thanks to our on-site kitchen.
The kids like participating in our cook's half-termly cooking activities, which teach them a variety of life skills and help them become more conscious of good food.
The kids have the chance to interact and socialise with kids of all ages at mealtimes.
According to this organisation, a balanced diet is crucial for children and young people to be happy, healthy, and reach their full potential.
For the cook to guarantee that menus represent best practise, he or she stays informed through this website and other government instructions.
Families are also informed of best practises through a termly newsletter on healthy eating.
The menus are created to ensure that the kids eat a nutritious, balanced meal with as little additives as possible; for instance, if frozen fish fingers are served for tea, they are an additive-free brand.
We try to use as little processed food as possible, such as ham and sausages, and we look for products with few additives.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are supplied every day, and no salt is added to the food while it is being cooked.
For snack time, milk or water is provided as a beverage, while water is served at meals.
We adhere to the allergen guidelines that became effective in December 2014 and make sure to identify any people who have food intolerances (information gathered on initial information sheet provided by parents and displayed in kitchen).
Through our menu board, we also inform parents of all 14 major allergens present in every meal served at the nursery.
To reflect the festivities, festivals, and nations of the children and their parents, meals from many cultures are provided to the kids.
Families are welcome to bring a store-bought cake or other special food to honour a child's birthday, which is observed in line with the beliefs and wishes of the family.
One day a week, non-meat sources of protein are offered to accommodate vegetarians and those on special diets.
Children are allowed to choose their own second helpings.
To serve as positive role models, adults who are seated with the youngsters eat with them as well.
Children who bring their own lunches sit with the other children and are asked to pack healthy meals (recommendations are made). These are kept in the kitchen in the kids' own containers.
In agreement with parents, children may have breakfast on a regular or irregular basis.
We want to teach social skills like saying please and thank you at meals because it's a time when people are generally happy and relaxed.
There are mid-morning and lunchtime snacks available.
These snacks adhere to the food trust's criteria, which call for a mid-morning break menu that is high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals while being low in fat, salt, and sugar.
On occasion, kids have the chance to assist the cook with dinner prep and engage in age-appropriate kitchen activities.
The children's produce from the vegetable garden is added to the menus as needed.