Food safety and nutrition policy

Aim

Rainbows Preschool Ltd is a suitable, clean, and safe place for children to be cared for, where they can grow and learn. We meet all statutory requirements for food safety and fulfil the criteria for meeting the relevant Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and Welfare requirements. We promote healthy eating habits and positive attitudes to food. We aim to create a calm, inclusive and enjoyable eating environment.

Objectives
  • We recognise that we have a corporate responsibility and duty of care for those who work in and receive a service from Rainbows Preschool Ltd, but individual employees and service users also have responsibility for ensuring their own safety as well as that of others. Risk assessment is the key means through which this is achieved.
  • Procedure 01.3 Kitchen is followed for general hygiene and safety in food preparation areas.
  • We provide nutritionally sound snacks which promote health and reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease that may begin in childhood.
  • We encourage independence and self-care skills.
  • We ensure that children are supervised at mealtimes and that children are within sight and hearing of a member of staff at all times and where possible staff are sat facing children when eating to ensure they are eating in a way that prevents choking and so they can prevent food sharing and be aware of any unexpected allergic reactions.
  • Following dietary guidelines to promote health also means taking account of guidelines to reduce risk of disease caused by unhealthy eating.
  • Parents/carers share information about their children’s particular dietary needs and allergies with staff when they enrol their children and on an on-going basis with their key person. This information is shared with all staff who are involved in the care of the child.
  • We ask parents and carers to provide food that is nutritious and balanced, supports energy and concentration and is appropriately prepared. Eg No nuts, grapes cut lengthways.
  • We encourage fruit and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, rice or similar. Dairy products or alternatives. All snacks should have a low sugar content.
  • We discourage sweets, chocolate and sugary desserts.
  • We do not allow fizzy drinks or high sugar drinks.
  • Staff will not be expected to heat food. Warm food flasks are encouraged if needed.
  • At least 2 members of staff assist the children at lunchtime with opening of packets etc. They chat to the children and encourage positive eating behaviours.
  • Children are encouraged to feed themselves and make choices about what they eat.
  • No child is forced to eat, encouragement is gentle and respectful. Staff will, however, suggest any sweet treats are only eaten once everything has been attempted.
  • Good hygiene practices are followed, including handwashing before and after eating.
  • Fresh water is available at all times. Milk can also be offered.
  • We respect cultural, religious and family preferences around food. Children are encouraged to share and talk about their food in a positive and inclusive way.
  • Food is not shared between children. Any food dropped on the floor is put in the food waste bin.
  • Children will be encouraged to discard any rubbish or left over food in the bins provided.
  • Staff will address concerns to parents over lunch boxes sensitively and collaboratively.
  • We take into account every child’s individual development needs and work in partnership with parents/carers to help children to move on to the next stage with regard to weaning as per the guidance listed below.
  • Rainbows Preschool ensures that all staff are aware of the symptoms and treatments for allergies and anaphylaxis and the differences between allergies and intolerances which may develop at any time.
  • Foods provided by the setting for children have any allergenic ingredients shown to parents before used.
  • Care is taken to ensure that children with food allergies and intolerances do not have contact with food products that they are allergic to.
  • We notify Ofsted of any food poisoning affecting two or more children in our care as soon as possible and at least within 14 days.
  • Risk assessments are conducted for each individual child who has a food allergy or specific dietary requirement.
  • If a child chokes at mealtime and intervention is given. We record details of the incident and ensure that parents/carers are informed.

Legal references                                        

Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs.

Food Information Regulations 2014

The Childcare Act 2006