Meals & Snacks
I provide all food at no extra charge; meals will consist of a nutritious lunch and snacks. I believe in keeping sugar and salt content in food to a minimum, and use fresh food as often as possible. I also understand the value of children learning the benefits of healthy eating at first hand and will involve them in menu planning, sorting fruit and vegetables etc., as soon as they are old enough to do so.
I always try, whenever possible, to sit at the children's table during snack and meal times.
I do not supply infant formula and baby foods. My belief is that babies should be fed on demand. If parents have another feeding schedule in mind, we will need to discuss this, so that the baby's needs are adequately met. Babies are held while drinking from a bottle. Therefore children are not allowed to carry around or have a bottle in their beds.
Morning snack is served from 9:30 until 10:00. Lunch is served between 11:30 until 12:00. Afternoon snack is served from 4:30 until 5:00. If your child eats table food, and is brought after a mealtime, he/she should be fed prior to arriving.
Food need not be brought from home unless there is a specific medical condition requiring special meals, such as an allergy or temporary condition (stomach virus, etc.)
I would prefer that children don't bring (or turn up eating) sweets, biscuits, toast etc., all food should be eaten at the table.
I never force a child to finish what is on his/her plate, but I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like! If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until the next designated meal/snack time. All eating patterns will be communicated to the parents.
Children's individual medical or dietary requirements will be respected. Withholding food will not be used as a punishment. Cakes, sweets and/or biscuits are kept for special occasions only e.g. birthdays, parties and are eaten straight after lunch. No fizzy drinks, tea or coffee for under 5's will be served. Sip and seal beakers are not used as these are not recommended for dental reasons; because of this baby bottles are only used for milk or water. Only water is offered between meals.
Dummies are preferred for sleep-time only, as it interferes with speech development. I can cater for vegetarian meals by using beans, lentils, soya mince, tofu or quorn in place of meats. Vegan menus will need to be provided by the parent/guardian. Where rewards are offered these will not be confectionary but special outings, activities etc.
