Nutrition and Wellness

Our Approach to Healthy Eating

At The Old School Nursery, we believe that good food fuels happy, healthy children. Mealtimes are an important part of each day, a time to enjoy delicious food, try new flavours, and learn lifelong healthy habits. We follow the EYFS 2025 nutritional and welfare requirements, ensuring every meal supports your child’s growth and wellbeing.

Our onsite chef prepares balanced, home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients. Each menu is designed to include foods from the four main food groups, giving children the nutrients they need to thrive. Menus are displayed in the nursery so families can see what their children are enjoying each week.

Why Nutrition Matters

We know that the early years are a key time for developing healthy eating habits. Offering nutritious food helps children feel energised, supports concentration and learning, and builds a positive relationship with food.

Mealtimes at The Old School are calm, sociable, and supportive. Children sit together with staff, who encourage independence and conversation around food, helping little ones to recognise when they are full, try new foods confidently, and understand which foods help them grow strong and healthy.

Bringing Food from Home

Families are always welcome to provide packed lunches or teas from home. To keep things consistent and safe, we ask that these follow our healthy eating principles. Packed lunches should include foods from the main food groups and avoid items high in sugar, salt, or fat such as crisps, cakes, sweets, chocolate spreads, and processed meats.

We ask that drinks are water or milk, and that small foods such as grapes or cherry tomatoes are cut lengthways to prevent choking. Popcorn and whole nuts are not permitted in nursery. Our team are happy to offer guidance or ideas for healthy packed lunches, you can also find inspiration on the NHS Healthier Lunchboxes page.

Caring for Every Child

We understand that every family is unique. We work closely with parents to meet all dietary, cultural, and religious needs, and ensure every child’s individual requirements are safely supported. All staff hold food hygiene and paediatric first aid qualifications, and we maintain the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness across our setting.