Food and Nutrition
A Healthy Approach to Nutrition
At My Little Stars, we are passionate about providing children with the best opportunities through food, not only nutritionally, but through learning. The Early Years curriculum provides an ideal opportunity to encourage children to eat healthy and learn about food, providing a great example to set the foundations for their future heath and well-being. In the new Ofsted’s Inspection Framework, inspectors will be looking and judging at what extent the Early Years nurseries successfully support and encourage children and parents/carers, to have ‘knowledge of how to keep themselves healthy”, and “evidence of a whole setting approach to exercise and healthy eating”.
Promoting good oral health:
At My Little Stars Nursery good oral health is something we provide through many aspects of the day and routine practices. For example, through the promotion of healthy eating, health and self-care and physical development. As a nursery we promote good oral health by:
· Being playful with children about oral health. For example, we include oral health practices into our activities by brushing the dolls teeth, reading stories, mirror play, etc.
· We discuss good oral health practices during meal times. Discussing the foods and drinks that help our teeth and gums grow strong.
· We try to link with local dentists in order to discuss oral health.
· We provide information to parents about effective oral health practices such as the importance of using fluoride toothpaste, brushing routines/ times, songs that can be used to encourage positive oral health, etc
· Provide toothbrushing kits for all ages
· Encourage regular dental visits
· Send out regular updates on registered dental practices within Coventry
· Limiting and cutting the use of dummies and bottles at age appropriate times.
The children do not take part in tooth brushing whilst at nursery. However, there is a strong nursery – home link on this topic.
Mealtimes
My Little Stars ensures mealtimes are presented in a positive and welcoming environment. Staff are also encouraged to sit and eat with the children to help encourage their learning through food, integrated through the 7 areas of learning and development. We continuously evaluate the Nursery’s Menu and keep up to date with the latest good practice in meeting the welfare requirements of the EYFS and The safer Food, Better Business(SFBB) Guidelines by the Food Standards Agency FSA https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/safer-food-better-business
Special and Dietary Requirements
We cater for all types of dietary and special needs. Information about dietary requirements is collected for children before starting at the setting. Policies and procedures are in place to support and manage children’s dietary requirements, as well as food allergen information is available for all food and drink provided in line with UK legislation. Staff receive training on handling and understanding the specific dietary requirements of different aged children, and to help them learn about food and make informed healthy choices. .