Healthy Eating
As part of our commitment to providing a healthy atmosphere for our children, we adhere to the guidance from the Department of Education 'Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance'
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Our 'Food Hygeine & Healthy Eating Policy' can be found in our Policies and Procedures section in the Parent Area (all parents of registered children are given the password to access these documents). Our policy is heavily guided by Government advice whilst taking into account safety whilst eating, hygiene and food types to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
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At Darling Daisies, we always work with where the child is at with their eating skills, ensuring that food is the correct texture and size for the child. A member of staff is always watching the child whilst they eat to minimise the risk of choking.
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We are inspected by Wyre Borough Council every 3 years to ensure our Food Hygeine preparations are acceptable. On our last inspection in 2024, we received the highest grade 5.
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For parents who wish for their child to eat our food at our setting, we offer breakfast, lunch, snacks (for children over 12 months), tea and whole milk. We work on a 3 week menu dependent on the children that are currently at the setting (and what they like/dislike), ensuring that we offer fruit and veg at every meal. We also try to avoid 'red label' foods. We offer home-cooked food where possible, and minimise processed foods. All food/ drink is documented in the child's daily diary, and sent home each night.
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For parents who wish to send their child with a packed lunch, we expect the same principles in order to promote healthy eating. Therefore, we advise not to send processed foods, crisps, chocolate etc. We advise that children are sent with a range of fruit and veg. If the food is not cut appropriately, we will cut before serving to reduce the risk of choking. All empty wrappers/ food waste will be sent home so that the parents can see how much they ate. All parents are advised of our principles and to ensure we promote the same values across the board, we will communicate regularly with parents around what is being sent with their child.
Public Health England have produced a great visual guide to assist settings and parents of what is best for children:
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