Our much-loved caterer, Lianne, comes in every day to prepare freshly made meals for the children.
We understand the importance of healthy bodies and minds and how vital it is to eat the right food for growth and development. Our approach to nutrition is balanced, understanding the need for the occasional treat as well as an abundance of fresh produce supporting a balanced diet. This includes fresh drinking water which is available at all times.
At snack time we offer a variety of choices such as fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, bread sticks, crackers and cheese, yoghurt, rice cakes and more. We will often provide a special theme related snack and aim to vary the textures as much as possible. There are lots of opportunities for the children to prepare their own snacks, developing their independence.
Mealtimes at Duchess Nursery are a happy, social occasion when staff and children sit together to eat - assisting younger children when they need help. Older children are encouraged to be independent, serving their own food and using their cutlery to feed themselves. Staff ensure good table manners and behaviour consistently across the age ranges, role modelling and encouraging the children to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’.
We gently encourage all children to try new and different foods. We work with our parents if a child struggles with eating.
Staff are aware and respect all allergies, medical and cultural differences in eating habits, ensuring similar alternatives are available for those who need it. We have a strict no-nut policy and adhere to the Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995 and snacks are prepared by qualified staff that hold Food Hygiene Certificates. See our sample menus below.
| Week 1 | Breakfast | Lunch | Pudding | Tea | Pudding | Possible Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Hoops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Tuna pasta Garlic bread Veg 2, 5, 7 | Melon | Home made soup (Tomato) Fresh bread 2, 7 | Yoghurt 7 | Below is a list outlined by the Food Standards Agency of common allergens. We have allocated each one a number and used this to indicate if these are used in our recipes Celery Cereals containing gluten Crustaceans Eggs Fish Lupin Milk Molluscs Mustard Nuts Peanuts Sesame seeds Soya Sulphur dioxide and sulphites |
| Tuesday | Cereal 2, 7 | Sausage casserole Mashed potato Veg 7 | Banana and custard 4, 7 | “On toast” Scrambled egg 2, 4, 7 | Satsumas | |
| Wednesday | Cornflakes or Weetabix 2, 7 | Roast chicken Stuffing Potatoes Veg 2 | Apple slices | Filled rolls 2, 7 | Watermelon | |
| Thursday | Toast with jam 2, 7 | Cheese & tomato pasta Corn on the cob 2, 7 | Natural yoghurt with raspberries 7 | Toasted sandwiches Vegetable sticks 2, 7 | Pear slices | |
| Friday | Rice pops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Beef and rice tacos Salad 2, 7 | Pineapple slices | Ham and cheese croissants Cucumber sticks 2, 7 | Grapes |
| Week 2 | Breakfast | Lunch | Pudding | Tea | Pudding | Possible Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Hoops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Fish fingers Wedges Peas 2, 5 | Melon | Filled rolls Vegetable sticks 2, 7 | Yoghurt 7 | Below is a list outlined by the Food Standards Agency of common allergens. We have allocated each one a number and used this to indicate if these are used in our recipes Celery Cereals containing gluten Crustaceans Eggs Fish Lupin Milk Molluscs Mustard Nuts Peanuts Sesame seeds Soya Sulphur dioxide and sulphites |
| Tuesday | Cereal 2, 7 | Spaghetti bolognese Veg 2, 7 | Apple slices | “On toast” Baked beans 2, 7 | Bananas | |
| Wednesday | Cornflakes or Weetabix 2, 7 | Roast gammon Potatoes Veg | Peaches Custard 4, 7 | Cheese bagels Lettuce Dips Vegetable sticks 2, 7 | Grapes | |
| Thursday | Toast with jam 2, 7 | Toad in the hole Creamed mash Veg 2, 4, 7 | Natural yoghurt with blueberries 7 | Crumpets Vegetable sticks 2, 7 | Pear slices | |
| Friday | Rice pops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Chicken and vegetable curry Rice Naan bread 2 | Watermelon | Pizza muffins Cucumber sticks 2, 7 | Pineapple slices |
| Week 3 | Breakfast | Lunch | Pudding | Tea | Pudding | Possible Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Hoops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Fish cakes Potato cubes Veg 2, 5 | Satsumas | Cheese and salad sandwiches Bread sticks 2, 7 | Yoghurt 7 | Below is a list outlined by the Food Standards Agency of common allergens. We have allocated each one a number and used this to indicate if these are used in our recipes Celery Cereals containing gluten Crustaceans Eggs Fish Lupin Milk Molluscs Mustard Nuts Peanuts Sesame seeds Soya Sulphur dioxide and sulphites |
| Tuesday | Cereal 2, 7 | Cottage pie Veg 7 | Apple slices | Pizza muffins Cucumber sticks 2, 7 | Bananas | |
| Wednesday | Cornflakes or Weetabix 2, 7 | Five bean chilli and jacket potatoes | Natural yoghurt with bananas 7 | Hot dogs Corn on the cob 2 | Grapes | |
| Thursday | Toast with jam 2, 7 | Carbonara with bacon Garlic bread 2, 7 | Rice pudding 2, 7 | Home-made sausage rolls Peas 2 | Pear slices | |
| Friday | Rice pops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Sweet and sour chicken Rice 2 | Watermelon | Filled rolls Vegetable sticks 2, 7 | Pineapple slices |
| Week 4 | Breakfast | Lunch | Pudding | Tea | Pudding | Possible Allergens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Hoops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Chicken fingers New potatoes Veg 2 | Satsumas | Bagelizzas Sweetcorn 2, 7 | Yoghurt 7 | Below is a list outlined by the Food Standards Agency of common allergens. We have allocated each one a number and used this to indicate if these are used in our recipes Celery Cereals containing gluten Crustaceans Eggs Fish Lupin Milk Molluscs Mustard Nuts Peanuts Sesame seeds Soya Sulphur dioxide and sulphites |
| Tuesday | Cereal 2, 7 | Shepherds Pie Veg 7 | Apple slices | On toast Spaghetti hoops 2, 7 | Bananas | |
| Wednesday | Cornflakes or Weetabix 2, 7 | Cowboy stew Baked potatoes | Natural yoghurt with bananas 7 | Filled Petit Pains Cucumber sticks Dips 2, 7, 12 | Pineapple slices | |
| Thursday | Toast with jam 2, 7 | Spaghetti with Meatballs 2, 7 | Rice pudding 2, 7 | Cheese and ham turnovers 2, 7 | Grapes | |
| Friday | Rice pops or Weetabix 2, 7 | Chinese chicken curry Rice 2 | Watermelon | Indoor picnic tea with sandwiches and sausage rolls 2, 7 | Pear slices |