Mackin Childcare

Healthy Eating Policy

At Munro House Nursery we understand the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. We aim to do this through offering, varied and well balanced menus, offering health promoting activities and participating in the ‘Smile Too’ programme.

Meals are prepared on a daily basis by our nursery chef with the high majority of our meals being completely homemade e.g. potato wedges, fish cakes etc. A weekly menu will normally include a meat dish, a chicken dish, a pasta dish, a fish dish and a soup, with a vegetarian option available each day. Fruit and/ or vegetables make up part of each main meal and children’s specific dietary requirements and/ or allergies are recorded and on display in the kitchen areas. If a child refuses lunch, an alternative will be offered.

Afternoon snack may be something sweet at times as the children do not have a dessert after lunch. This is only on occasion and is accompanied by something savoury. Milk and water are offered regularly throughout the day and older children can access water independently. We aim to make meal times an enjoyable and social time.

‘Nutritional Guidance for Early Years’ and ‘Adventures in Foodland’ influence menu planning and staff who are involved in food preparation all have ‘Elementary Food Hygiene’ certificates. HACCP guidelines and documents are followed in terms of monitoring temperatures, kitchen cleanliness and infection control procedures. The establishment is inspected by Environmental Health Officials.

Celebrations and special occasions

Parents/ carers are welcome to bring in a birthday cake for their child’s birthday if they wish. On these occasions the nursery will provide a savoury snack to accompany this.

During celebrations/ special occasions the nursery may offer children some ‘treats’ along with a savoury snack. On some of these occasions we may also deviate from the planned menu e.g. Chinese New Year, Christmas etc.

A copy of the nursery menus is available in the reception areas of both buildings for all to view.