Aims
The Village Childcare & Community Services believes that good health and good food in the early years helps to safeguard children's well-being throughout their lives.
We have regard for "Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Pre-School Services" by the Department of Health and Children.
We support children to develop long life healthy eating practices and a positive approach towards food in partnership with parents.
Mealtimes at the centre will be treated as an opportunity for social interaction as well as laying the foundations about making healthy choices.
Procedures
Parents will be advised if their child is not eating lunches, snacks or meals. o Parents are encouraged to offer menu suggestions or comments on this policy.
Diluted unsweetened fruit juice will be served with main meals. o All children attending the service will have access to water throughout the day.
Withholding food will not be used as a form of punishment. o
Birthday/Party food should be discussed in advance with staff.
All perishable lunches provided by the parents will be transferred and stored in a fridge with the child's name clearly marked on them.
Parents of children on special diets will be asked to provide as much information as possible about suitable foods. In some cases, parents may be asked to provide food themselves
The daily snack is a social occasion and also a learning experience for all children and staff will sit with the children during mealtimes to encourage conversation and extend interactions.
We will encourage children to make choices, drink and feed themselves during mealtimes as this will help to develop each child's independence.
Responsibility of Parents/Guardians: Each child must bring their own lunch daily. (Suggestions and samples of healthy lunches will be made available to parents at the beginning of the school year)
Please help us keep our healthy eating policy in place by ensuring your child has a healthy and nutritious lunch each day. Fizzy drinks, crisps, popcorn or sugary snacks will not be allowed in Playschool/Pre School.
Snacks such as sandwiches, fruit and yogurts are encouraged as healthy lunches for children.
Playschool:
Children attending our Playschool from 8.30 am — 1 pm will have their lunch (provided by parents) at 12 pm.
Independence is fostered with each child removing their lunch from their bag and putting it on the plate provided.
Pre-School:
Children will eat their lunch (provided by parents) at 10.30 am.
The Village Childcare & Community Services will provide a snack of a selection of fruit to the children at 1.00 pm.
Independence is fostered with each child removing their lunch from their bag and putting it on the plate provided.
ECCE Pre-School:
Children attending the ECCE Programme will have their lunch (provided by parents).
At 12 pm children will sit together and have their own lunch provided by parents.
At 10 am a snack of toast and beans/brown bread and cheese and a selection of fruit will be provided by The Village Childcare & Community Services.
Independence is fostered with each child removing their lunch from their bag and putting it on the plate provided.
We would also urge that all lunch items are enclosed within a reusable lunchbox or zip lock bag. This is to prevent cross-contamination.
After Schools Programme:
When the children arrive from school, they will receive a warm meal provided by The Village Childcare & Community Services
Staff involved in cooking the meals for the After Schools will take part in HACCP training.
Other activities:
We include cookery activities on a regular basis during the sessions. If your child has any particular allergies, please tell us and write the details clearly on the registration form as it is important for all staff to be aware of this information.
This policy was adopted by:The Village Childcare & Community Services. and is displayed in the reception area. It will be reviewed annually.