Food and Nutrition: Parent Advice and Support at Rosemary Lane Nursery School

At Rosemary Lane Nursery School, we believe that healthy eating is a vital part of nurturing confident, independent, and caring learners. As a maintained nursery school, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where children’s well-being is at the heart of everything we do. This page offers important guidance on food and nutrition to help parents support their child’s health and development in line with the latest safeguarding welfare requirements (2025) and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nutritional guidance.

Ensuring Healthy Eating and Safe Food Practices

We understand that good nutrition lays the foundation for children’s learning and growth. Our approach reflects our vision to create a happy, stimulating environment where children are motivated and inspired to learn—and this includes promoting healthy eating habits from an early age.

Lunch routines and learning opportunities:

Our younger children in the Willow and Maple rooms have lunch together, followed by the Oak room children eating afterwards. We use lunch as a valuable teaching opportunity to promote social skills and independence. During mealtimes, children learn to engage in positive interactions, take turns, and develop self-help skills such as serving themselves and managing their own eating.

Key points for parents:

• Balanced, nutritious meals: Aim to provide meals and snacks rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. These foods support children’s energy, concentration, and overall development.
• Fresh drinking water: Children must have constant access to fresh, clean drinking water throughout the day, both at nursery and at home. Staying hydrated supports attention, mood, and physical health.
• Safe food preparation: When preparing food for young children (ages 2 to 4), it is essential to cut food into small, manageable pieces to reduce choking risks. Soft, cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, and finely chopped proteins are good options.
• Safe eating environment: Children should always be seated properly while eating—preferably at a table with a stable chair and foot support—to encourage good posture and reduce choking hazards.

Foods to Avoid for Children Under Five

To keep children safe and healthy, certain foods should be avoided, especially for those under 5 years old. These include:

• Popcorn (a known choking hazard)
• Whole nuts or large pieces of nuts
• Whole grapes (should be cut into small pieces)
• Raw carrots or apples (should be grated or cut finely)
• Chunks of cheese or meat that are too large or tough
• Hard sweets or boiled sweets

By avoiding these foods or preparing them safely, we help protect our children while encouraging positive eating experiences.

Supporting Children with Special Dietary Needs

At Rosemary Lane Nursery School, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We recognise that some children may have special dietary requirements related to allergies, cultural preferences, or medical needs. Our staff work closely with families to ensure all children’s individual needs are met in a safe and respectful way, aligning with our values of mutual respect and strong relationships.

How We Reflect Our Vision and Values Through Nutrition

• Creating a safe, secure, and purposeful environment: We prioritise children’s safety by following strict food safety and hygiene procedures.
• Encouraging independence: We support children in making choices about their food and learning to feed themselves confidently.
• Fostering respectful relationships: We work in partnership with parents to share advice and support around nutrition.
• Celebrating diversity: We respect and accommodate different cultural food practises while maintaining safety standards.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Healthy Eating at Home

• Involve your child in meal preparation to spark their interest in food and nutrition.
• Offer a variety of healthy choices and encourage tasting new foods.
• Keep mealtimes positive and relaxed to promote a love of eating and learning.
• Model healthy eating behaviours yourself, as children learn by example.

Next Steps and Support

If you have any questions or need advice specific to your child’s dietary needs, our dedicated staff, including SEND support, are here to help. Please contact the nursery office or speak to your child’s key person for personalised guidance.

Summary

Healthy eating and safe food practises are fundamental to your child’s well-being and learning journey at Rosemary Lane Nursery School. By working together with families, we create an environment where every child is safe, included, and inspired to grow into confident and independent learners—ready to face future challenges with enthusiasm and resilience.

Thank you for partnering with us in nurturing your child’s health and happiness.

Our Packed Lunch Policy can be found below.