Food and nutrition policy

Food and nutrition policy for the proposed service

I am working on adding food services but, for now I will not provide food as part of my service.

Parents/guardians are welcome to provide their child with meals and snacks.

I will encourage parents/guardians to provide their child with well-balanced nutritious food.

Also, my food and nutrition policy includes the following points:

·   I will collect and record information from parents about a child’s dietary requirements and allergies.

·   All parents/guardians must note on the food box/ breast milk by adding the child’s name, date, expiry information and any other notes.

·   I will respect the diversity of practice around mealtimes e.g., use of chopsticks or fingers for eating (Parents should advise previously).

·   I will offer parents/guardians notes about their child’s eating behaviour e.g., amount, things child has refused to eat...etc, and let them know If I have any concerns.

·   Children are offered water or a drink provided by the parents/guardians.
I will ensure fresh drinking water is always available, both in and outside my house.

·   I will ensure each child has her/his own water bottle and personal items.

·   I will encourage all children to wash their hands before attending care sessions, before and after eating and playing outside.

·   Children are expected to sit up at the table and eat their food, but I will be there to monitor and give help where required, depending on age.

·   I will encourage good manners and I will take eating time as an opportunity to ask the children individually about their day.

·   I will respectfully ask parents/guardians that chocolate, sweets, and other treats are NOT brought to the session, as children do not understand why one can have but not the other. This does not apply to Easter, Christmas, etc.

·   If parents would like to celebrate special occasions with other minded children, they should first seek my advice and approval in case of special food allergies or diets. Also, please note any treats that parents provide should only be bought and not homemade.

·   Personal hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) rules will be applied in my business, and I will use gloves, aprons, and face mask when and where needed.
 

·   Baby-changing facilities will not be near food areas.

This policy may change or be updated at any point depending on my service needs and if legislation is updated, it will also be reviewed at least once a year.

Updated 10/ June / 2023