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Meal Times

At Little Loco’s Day Nursery, we believe mealtimes should be enjoyable and social occasions for both children and staff. We create a positive atmosphere where staff lead by example, eating with the children and demonstrating good table manners. This encourages small group interactions, promotes conversation, and helps children develop social skills in a relaxed setting.

We provide nutritious food at every meal, prioritising fresh ingredients and ensuring that each menu includes at least three servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day. The quantities offered take into account the ages of the children being catered for, in line with recommended portion sizes for babies and young children.

Packed Lunches: We only allow children to bring packed lunches into the setting under exceptional circumstances, and lunch boxes are checked prior to giving the contents to the children to ensure any risks from potential allergens or choking hazards are managed.

Birthdays: We do allow parents to bring in cakes on special occasions. We ensure that all food brought in from parents meets the health and safety requirements and ingredients that are listed within the Food Information for Consumers (FIR) 2014. All food that is brought in should be in a sealed package and clearly labelled with the list of allergens.

Term Dates

Apetito

At Little Loco's, all cooked meals are supplied by Apetitio, a company dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious meals that support children’s growth. Their expertly crafted menus are designed to introduce children to exciting new flavours, encouraging them to explore a variety of foods and develop their taste palate.

Apetitio takes food safety seriously, catering to a wide range of allergies and intolerances, including gluten, dairy, and nuts. Allergies are clearly highlighted both during the ordering process and on the packaging, offering parents peace of mind at every step.

As proud supporters of the British food and farming industry, Apetitio only source from the best suppliers who adhere to the highest standards and abide by ethical trading standards.

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Dietary Requirements

At Little Loco’s Day Nursery, we are committed to providing meals that meet the individual dietary needs of all children in our care. We recognise and accommodate specific dietary requirements, including food allergies, intolerances, and personal preferences. Our staff work closely with parents to ensure that all meals are tailored to suit each child’s needs while maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet.

Preferences:
Preferences may be cultural, religious or personal. Little Loco’s strives to meet all reasonable preferences. Children with specific preferences will use blue plates, so that all staff members are aware of their requirements and can support these needs during mealtimes.

Intolerances and Allergies:
We take allergies and intolerances very seriously and take all necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring the safety of children with allergies. Children with known allergies will use red plates, making it easy for staff to quickly identify and address any specific needs. We work closely with parents to ensure that any food allergies are fully documented and understood.

Term Dates

Cooking with the Children

At Little Loco’s Day Nursery, we recognise the value of cooking activities in supporting children's learning and development. These activities provide a safe, engaging environment where children explore food, learn about nutrition, and develop new skills. During cooking sessions, children are fully supervised and taught about food groups, healthy eating habits, and the origins of food, including different cultural cuisines.

Children are encouraged to share their thoughts on food, taste, and texture, enhancing their understanding of sensory experiences. After each session, they participate in cleaning up, washing utensils, and tidying the area, teaching responsibility and reinforcing hygiene standards. Staff ensure the cooking area is thoroughly cleaned after every session.

At the end of each activity, children share and taste their creations, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging social interaction. Cooking activities promote life skills, teamwork, and healthy eating habits in a fun, educational environment. We prioritise safety, hygiene, and food safety protocols to ensure a positive learning experience.