Fresh, Healthy Meals Every Day

Children attending The Ark enjoy a varied menu that is carefully planned to support healthy growth and development.

Our daily meals include:

• Healthy breakfast
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Nutritious lunches
• Afternoon snacks
• Fresh drinking water available throughout the day
• Milk provided at meal and snack times, where appropriate for the child's age

Our menus are designed to provide a balanced diet using a variety of fresh ingredients, helping children develop a positive relationship with healthy food from an early age.

Meals are prepared in suitable portion sizes for each age group and are adapted to meet children's individual stages of development.

Positive Mealtimes

Mealtimes at The Ark are about much more than eating. They are valuable opportunities for children to develop independence, confidence and important social skills.

During mealtimes we encourage children to:

• Enjoy eating together in a relaxed and friendly environment
• Learn good table manners
• Develop independence by serving themselves where appropriate
• Try a variety of healthy foods without pressure
• Feed themselves as their confidence develops
• Enjoy positive conversations with staff and their friends

Older children are encouraged to help prepare the table and serve their own food where appropriate, helping them develop independence and an understanding of healthy portion sizes.

Children are always given enough time to enjoy their meals and are never rushed. If a child does not wish to eat a particular food, staff respond sensitively without pressure or fuss, ensuring that mealtimes remain positive experiences.

Babies and Infant Feeding

We work closely with parents to follow each baby's individual feeding routine and developmental stage.

Parents are welcome to provide:

• Pre-prepared bottles of formula milk
• Expressed breast milk, clearly labelled
• Baby food where appropriate

As babies begin weaning, we introduce new foods and textures gradually in partnership with parents, ensuring each child progresses at a pace that suits their individual development.

Babies are encouraged to begin self-feeding when they are ready through the introduction of suitable finger foods, helping to develop confidence and independence. Children under one year continue to receive their usual milk feeds when required, and feeding routines are discussed regularly with parents.

Supporting Every Child's Dietary Needs

Every child's health and wellbeing is important to us.

Before your child joins The Ark, we gather information about:

• Food allergies
• Food intolerances
• Medical dietary requirements
• Cultural or religious dietary requirements
• Individual food preferences
• Feeding routines for babies

This information is shared with the relevant members of staff to ensure your child receives meals that are both suitable and safe.

Where required, we work closely with parents and healthcare professionals to develop individual allergy or dietary care plans. These plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain accurate as children's needs change.

Food Safety and Allergy Awareness

The safety of every child is our highest priority.

The Ark Children's Centre is a strictly nut-free nursery.

To protect children with allergies or specific dietary requirements:

• Children are closely supervised throughout every meal and snack time.
• Food is prepared appropriately for each child's age to reduce the risk of choking.
• Children are discouraged from sharing or swapping food with one another.
• A Paediatric First Aid trained member of staff is always present during mealtimes.
• Staff are trained to recognise the signs of allergic reactions and know how to respond appropriately.

Food preparation follows current Early Years guidance to ensure meals are both nutritious and safe for young children.

Encouraging Healthy Eating

We believe children develop healthy eating habits through positive experiences rather than pressure.

Our staff support children by:

• Modelling healthy eating habits
• Encouraging children to taste new foods
• Respecting each child's appetite
• Making mealtimes enjoyable and relaxed
• Celebrating independence and self-feeding

Healthy eating is also incorporated into our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through activities such as cooking, food tasting, growing vegetables and learning about where food comes from.

Keeping Children Safe During Meals

Children's safety is our priority during every meal and snack.

To support safe eating:

• Children wash or clean their hands before meals.
• Appropriate seating is used for babies and young children.
• Babies and toddlers are supervised at all times while eating.
• Staff remain facing the children throughout mealtimes so they can respond immediately if assistance is needed.
• Food is prepared according to current choking prevention guidance.
• Children are never left alone while eating or drinking.

These arrangements help create a safe, calm and enjoyable mealtime experience for every child.