Anchor Childcare operates to a three-week rotating menu, developed in line with nutritional guidelines and with the input of parents, staff and children.

A daily menu is displayed for parents each day and a record of small children’s eating habits is maintained.

Lisa our centre cook prepares snacks and meals for children (except babies on formula food). Parents of babies will be required to bring in pre-prepared bottles and a supply of any baby food they wish their baby to receive until the baby is able to eat from the Centre menu.

NUTRITION POLICY

It is the Policy of the Centre to endeavour to provide for the dietary needs of the children attending our service. All food served in the Centre is fresh and nutritious.

MENU PLANNING AND MEAL PROVISION

Anchor Childcare operates to a three-week rotating menu, developed in line with nutritional guidelines and with the input of parents, staff and children. A daily menu is displayed for parents each day and a record of children’s eating habits is maintained.

The Centre will provide snacks and meals for children (except babies). Snacks will also be provided for children attending the Centre so parents do not need to bring a packed lunch. Parents of babies will be required to bring in pre-prepared bottles and a supply of baby food as required until a baby is able to eat from the Centre menu.

FOOD PREPARATION & SERVING

All food served in the Centre is prepared by our centre cook who operates the kitchen to high standards of hygiene as required by HACCP.

Anchor Childcare Centre recognise that the provision of a healthy environment as well as adequate nutrition is essential to the well being of children in our care. Our staff understand that they have a duty to feed children responsibly, offering nutritionally good food and discouraging potentially harmful food. We also recognise the need for a relaxed emotional state that will aid digestion and the importance of allowing children to eat together to provide the opportunity to socialise and learn about each other.

Staff sit with children at mealtimes to socialise, encourage good eating habits and record children’s intake of food. Where developmentally appropriate, children participate in activities, which encourage knowledge of hygiene and health issues, basic nutrition, food preparation, various tastes and textures, and the food traditions of a variety of cultures.

SWEETS

In the interest of Health, Safety and best practice, under no circumstances are chewing gum, sweets, crisps etc to be allowed into the rooms or given to the children in our care. Ice-cream, fruit and rice crispy buns may be given to children for treats during parties etc. Milk and water are the only drinks to be supplied by Anchor Childcare. The following foods are prohibited in the Centre; Chewing Gum, Nuts, Crisps, Sweets, Fizzy Drinks