Helping Children Eat Well in Early Years: What Parents Should Know

At Rosedene Nurseries, we understand how important it is for children to eat well and enjoy their meals. Following the latest government guidance and our own healthy eating policy, we are committed to offering healthy, balanced, and appealing food that supports your child’s development.

Did you know: Inadequate nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child being born can cause irreversible damage to a child’s brain and physical development?

Offering children a wide range of foods, textures and flavours can help increase the variety of foods children will eat. This can encourage healthier eating habits later in childhood. This is especially important during this time of early growth and development.

The Early Years Foundation Stage guidance we follow encourages early years providers to:

• Offer nutritious meals and snacks that meet children's energy and nutrient needs.

• Include foods from four key groups: starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, and dairy or alternatives.

• Serve appropriate portion sizes for children aged 1-5, avoiding oversized servings that can overwhelm young appetites.

• Provide oily fish (such as salmon, sardines or mackerel) at least once every 3 weeks.

• Avoid foods high in saturated fat, salt, and/or sugars like cakes, sweet and savoury pastries, biscuits, crisps, chocolate and other confectionary.

• Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating in young children. You can find out more about portion sizes here.

We’re working hard to make unfamiliar meals more inviting for little ones by:

• Offering familiar favourites alongside new foods.

• Creating a calm, positive mealtime environment.

• Encouraging children to explore food through play and activities.

• Employees and other children are modelling healthy eating habits.

  
  

Our weekly menus are planned to provide your child with nutritious, balanced meals, including:

• Meals with a variety of textures and flavours.

• Vegetarian options and alternatives for dietary needs.

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables to keep meals fresh and exciting.

• Recipes developed for early years settings, ensuring age-appropriate nutrition.

  
  

A particular favourite among our children is our Lentil Chilli Non-Carne and our healthy take on the local delicacy, the Chicken Parmo!

What can you do as parents to support your child’s nutrition?

• Talk to us about your child’s preferences or allergies.

• Keep trying! Research shows it takes 10-30 times for a child to try a new food before deciding whether they like it. Be patient and consistent.

• Encourage food exploration at home, even if they don’t eat much at nursery.

• Avoid pressure - children often eat better when they feel relaxed.

  
  

We’re here to support your child’s health and happiness. If you have questions regarding our menu, please speak to your nursery manager.