At the Academies for Character and Excellence, we believe that healthy, balanced meals are the foundation for happy, thriving children. Our in-house catering teams are passionate about food and committed to exceeding the standards set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nutrition guidance.

 

Why it matters:

Good nutrition in the early years supports growth, brain development and energy for learning and play. That is why every nursery meal we serve is freshly prepared, varied and designed to give children the very best start.

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Our approach:

• Balanced Menus: Every meal includes fruit or vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, protein and dairy or suitable alternatives.

• Variety & Seasonality: We use local, seasonal produce wherever possible and rotate menus to keep mealtimes exciting.

• No Added Sugar or Salt: All dishes are homemade with carefully selected ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives.

• Inclusive Options: Allergy-safe alternatives and vegetarian choices are always available.

• EYFS Compliance: We meet and exceed government guidance, including offering wholegrains weekly, oily fish every three weeks, and limiting processed foods.
   

Our Commitment:
We do not just provide food, we create positive mealtime experiences that encourage healthy habits for life. By choosing our nursery provision, you can be confident that every meal provided supports children’s wellbeing, growth and happiness.

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Meals and Snacks at Nursery

 Purchasing nursery meals and snacks is not compulsory. Parents are welcome to provide all meals and snacks for their child's time at nursery.

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Mid-Morning Healthy Snack

We provide a free healthy fruit snack during the morning session.

 

Lunch

Lunch is available to pre-book for children attending the setting at 12:00 pm for £2.00 per day and includes a nutritious two-course meal prepared by our school kitchen.

Menus vary each term and are designed to provide a healthy, balanced diet. Parents and carers should check the menu to ensure it is suitable for their child's age, stage of development, dietary requirements, and any allergies.

For infants who are not yet established in eating family meals or who are following an individual weaning plan, parents may be asked to provide suitable foods and milk feeds in consultation with the nursery team. We follow current NHS guidance on introducing solid foods and supporting children through the weaning process.

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In the school holidays when the school kitchen is closed a packed lunch from home will need to be provided in a named lunch pack with an ice pack for all children.

 

Afternoon Snack

If your child remains at nursery after 4:30pm, and you would like them to have an afternoon snack with us this can be pre ordered for £1.50 per day. This snack differs from the morning snack to ensure variety for children who attend all day. Please note that the prebooked afternoon snack is intended only as a light snack to bridge the gap between lunch and home time. It is not intended to replace your child's evening meal.

 

Opting Out of Nursery Meals and Snacks

Purchasing nursery meals and snacks is not compulsory. Parents are welcome to provide all meals and snacks for their child's time at nursery. We encourage the children to be healthy and ask that parents provide balanced, nutritious options wherever possible.

Please note that any food provided for an afternoon snack must comply with food safety guidance. Foods requiring refrigeration cannot be stored at nursery for extended periods. Perishable items brought from home may only remain safe until 12pm. Therefore, if your child attends after 4:30pm, and you wish to provide them with a snack we recommend providing non-perishable snacks.

 

 Providing Food from Home

To comply with our Healthy Food Policy and Allergens Policy, all food must:

• Be clearly labelled with your child's name

• Be provided in sealed containers or original packaging

• Contain an ice pack

• Be nut free

• Include allergen information where applicable

In accordance with Food Standards Agency guidance, we are unable to reheat pre-prepared meals brought from home. Only sealed baby food jars or pouches that do not require refrigeration may be warmed in a microwave and checked with a temperature probe. Any food provided must be ready to eat and safely packaged.

 

Please inform us as soon as possible of any food intolerances or allergies.