The Importance of Diet & Nutrition at Day Nursery
Diet and nutrition are vital components of a child’s early development, which is why it is a top priority here at Kiddies Playhouse in Walsall. If you’re wondering what your child’s meals will look like while they are in day nursery, our team of early learning specialists have put together this quick guide to show you the importance of good nutrition at day nursery.
Why Does What Your Child Eats at Nursery Matter?
The first few years of a child’s life are essential for development. In these years, we instil habits around food and eating healthily that can set the tone for the rest of their lives.
What’s more, kids exert a lot of energy in childcare. From taking part in activities to socialising with their friends, they need healthy, nutritious food to help them get the most out of their time here.
Unhealthy foods will only lead to your child crashing and becoming irate when it’s time to go home, which isn’t a good scenario for anyone.
What is the Current Health Status in England?
The Eat Better Start Better Programme showed that over a fifth of children are overweight or obese by the time they begin primary school, which is the final year in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
This is because a child’s diet changes throughout these early years, which affects how much they eat and the types of food they eat.
Many kids under the age of five don’t get the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, which adds to the growing health problem.
We understand how difficult it can be trying to get your children to eat healthy foods, especially if they’re picky eaters. That’s why we put an emphasis on healthy, nutritious food here at Kiddies Playhouse.
What Does a Nutritious Diet Look Like at Nursery?
While at our day nursery, your child will receive healthy, well-balanced food tailored to their age group. We are proud of our homemade baby food for babies, rich in vitamins and nutrients.
For toddlers, we incorporate healthy finger foods that encourage the children to get used to different flavours, textures, and ingredients.
For preschoolers, we have a healthy menu that helps prepare them for more structured school lunches, still taking into consideration the health and nutritional needs of our growing kids.
Our meals are based on government nutritional guidelines and tailored to your child’s needs, including:
- Carbs such as potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta, as well as any other starchy foods
- Fruit and vegetables
- Protein sources such as beans, peas, fish, eggs, and meat, as well as other sources.
- Alternatives to dairy products
If your child has specific dietary requirements, we can meet those and ensure they get healthy food tailored to their needs.