Meal and snack times at Butterflies are a time of social interaction and children are encouraged

to sit together and observe good table manners.

 

I actively promote healthy eating within my setting and provide the children in my care

with healthy snacks. Morning snacks should provide carbohydrates and may consist of

foods such as toast, pancakes, pitta bread, bread sticks, rice cakes, plain crackers or

crumpets. Afternoon snacks are similar to the morning snack but provide children with

a small intake of sugar and fat, which is appropriate to a healthy balanced diet and help

to give a little energy boost. This may consist of a brioche or something similar. 

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I offer water or milk to drink and children are offered a selection of fresh fruit during

every snack time.

 

I don't generally offer meals and I ask parents to please supply their children’s lunches.

This can be in the form of a packed lunch, a meal from home that I am happy to heat up, or a jar/pouch of baby food for babies and toddlers. They should be healthily and balanced to ensure that children get good quantities of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Not too much chocolate or crisps, or foods containing high levels of sugar and fat please.

 

Children are never forced to eat anything they don't want to, however they are encouraged to try a little bit of everything and eat as much as they can. In my experience children are much more willing to try new things outside of their own home.

 

Children with special dietary needs and allergies can be catered for. This can be discussed at the initial visit.