RHNS Food and Nutrition

Nutrition and mealtimes policy

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At Rocking Horse Nursery we believe that mealtimes should be happy, social occasions for children and staff alike. We promote shared, enjoyable positive interactions at these times.

We are committed to offering children healthy, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks that meet individual needs and requirements. All local authority guidance is followed in the preparation of food.

We will ensure that:

• A balanced and healthy midday meal, and two daily snacks are provided for children attending a full day at the nursery
• Menus are planned in advance and in line with example menus and guidance produced by Public Health Scotland (Setting the Table). These are rotated regularly and reflect cultural diversity and variation. These are displayed for children and parents to view
• All allergens are displayed alongside the menus to show the contents of each meal
• We provide nutritious food at all snack and meal times, avoiding large quantities of fat, sugar, salt and artificial additives, preservatives and colourings
• Menus include at least 3servings of fresh fruit and vegetables per day
• Parents and children are involved in menu planning and are encouraged to provide feedback on the meals/snacks and the policy.
• Only milk and water are provided as drinks to promote oral health. Fresh drinking water is always available and accessible. It is offered frequently to children and babies and intake is monitored. In hot weather staff will encourage children to drink more water to keep them hydrated
• Individual dietary requirements are respected. We gather information from parents regarding their children’s dietary needs, including any special dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies that a child has and any special health requirements, before a child starts or joins the nursery. Where appropriate we will carry out a risk assessment in the case of allergies and work alongside parents to put into place an individual dietary plan for their child
• We give careful consideration to seating to avoid cross contamination of food from child to child. Where appropriate an adult will sit with children during meals to ensure safety and minimise risks. Where appropriate, age/stage discussions will also take place with all children about allergies and potential risks to make them aware of the dangers of sharing certain foods
• Staff show sensitivity in providing for children’s diets and allergies. They do not use a child’s diet or allergy as a label for the child, or make a child feel singled out because of her/his diet or allergy
• Staff set a good example, eat with the children, and show good table manners. Meal and snack times are organised so that they are social occasions in which children and staff participate in small groups. During meals and snack times children are encouraged to use their manners and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and conversation is encouraged
• Staff use meal and snack times to help children to develop independence through making choices, serving food and drink, and feeding themselves. Staff support children to make healthy choices and understand the need for healthy eating
• We provide children with familiar foods and introducing them to new ones. Cultural differences in eating habits are respected
• Any child who shows signs of distress at being faced with a meal he/she does not like will have his/her food removed without any fuss. If a child does not finish his/her first course, he/she will still be given a helping of dessert
• Children are encouraged to eat a reasonable sized meal. Quantities reflect the age, individual preference and variation in appetites of the children.
• Parents are encouraged to provide a water cup for each child to allow them to access water throughout the day whenever the child chooses.
• Children not on special diets are encouraged to eat a small piece of everything

• Children are given time to eat at their own pace and not rushed
• Quantities offered take account of the ages of the children being catered for in line with recommended portion sizes for babies and young children
• We promote positive attitudes to healthy eating through play opportunities and discussions
• No child is ever left alone when eating/drinking to minimise the risk of choking
• We will sometimes celebrate special occasions such as birthdays with the occasional treat of foods such as cake or biscuits. These will be given at mealtimes to prevent tooth decay and not spoil the child’s appetite. Where we have frequent birthdays and celebrations we consider other alternatives such as celebrating through smiles and praise, stickers and badges, choosing a favourite story, becoming a special helper, playing a party game, dancing and/or singing their favourite song
• We doallow parents to bring in cakes on special occasions. We ensure that all food brought in from parents meets the above and health and safety requirements and ingredients that are listed within the Food Information (Scotland) Regulations 2014 and detailed in the allergens policy and procedure
• Children are always encouraged to try the food on offer and do not have to finish everything on their plate.  They will be offered extra if they are still hungry. 
• If a child does not like the food they will be offered an acceptable alternative, e.g. a plain cracker, cheese, fruit, vegetable soup or cereal.  
• All staff who prepare and handle food are competent to do so and receive training in food hygiene which is updated every three years
• In the very unlikely event of any food poisoning affecting two or more children on the premises, whether or not this may arise from food offered at the nursery, we will inform the Care Inspectorate as soon as reasonably practical and in all cases within 14 days. We will also inform the relevant health agencies and follow any advice given. 

Meal times

• Lunch is served between 11.30 and 12.30 each day. This is flexible according to the needs of the children.
• Snack times are around 9.15am and 2.45pm. The pink and green rooms will offer a ‘rolling snack’ where a small group of children are having snack at any one time.  Staff will sit with the children while they eat and will promote a good model for healthy eating.
• Good food hygiene practices are observed when food is prepared and served. This includes children and staff washing hands before meals.
• For the occasional very special celebration (such as on party day) children may receive chocolate or sweets.  If you would prefer your child did not receive these please let us know.

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of the nursery	Date for review
27.03.24		28.08.25

No UNCRC links

Information for this document which has been taken from:

Setting The Table (Nutritional Guidance and Food Standards for Early Years Childcare Providers in Scotland 2025) Published by NHS Health Scotland

“This guidance celebrates the contribution that childcare providers can have in shaping the future eating patterns of young children in Scotland. Implementing this guidance will:

 highlight the importance of food as a tool for social development and learning

champion the importance of a well-balanced diet and positive choices both with children and their parents

assist providers to work with families who face the biggest challenges in providing a healthy diet for their children

Allergies and allergic reactions policy

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At Rocking Horse Nursery we are aware that children may have or develop an allergy resulting in an allergic reaction.

We aim to ensure allergic reactions are minimised or, where possible, prevented and that staff are fully aware of how to support a child who may be having an allergic reaction.

Our procedures

• All staff are made aware of the signs and symptoms of a possible allergic reaction in case of an unknown or first reaction in a child. These may include a rash or hives, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, itchy skin, runny eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the mouth or tongue, swelling to the airways to the lungs, wheezing and anaphylaxis
• We ask parents to share all information about allergic reactions and allergies on their child’s registration form and to inform staff of any allergies discovered after registration
• We share all information with all staff and keep an allergy register in each room as well as in the kitchen.
• Where a child has a known allergy, the nursery team will carry out a full allergy risk assessment procedure with the parent prior to the child starting the nursery and/or following notification of a known allergy. This assessment is shared with all staff and may involve displaying photos of the children along with their known allergies in the kitchen and/or nursery rooms, where applicable
• All food prepared for a child with a specific allergy is prepared in an area where there is no chance of contamination and served on equipment that has not been in contact with this specific food type, e.g. nuts
• The manager, nursery cook and parents will work together to ensure a child with specific food allergies receives no food at nursery that may harm them. This may include designing an appropriate menu or substituting specific meals on the current nursery menu
• Seating is monitored for children with allergies. Where deemed appropriate staff will sit with children who have allergies and where age/stage appropriate staff will discuss food allergies with the children and the potential risks
• If a child has an allergic reaction to food, a bee or wasp sting, plant etc. a paediatric first-aid trained member of staff will act quickly and administer the appropriate treatment, if necessary. We will inform parents and record the information in the incident book and on the allergy register

• If an allergic reaction requires specialist treatment, e.g. an EpiPen, then at least two members of staff working directly with the child and the manager will receive specific medical training to be able to administer the treatment to each individual child.

Food information (Scotland) regulations 2014

We incorporate additional procedures in line with the Food information regulations 2014 (FIR) including displaying our weekly menus on the parent information window identifying any of the 14 allergens that are used as ingredients in any of our dishes.

In the event of a serious allergic reaction and a child needing transporting to hospital, the nursery manager or staff member will:

• Call for an ambulance immediately if the allergic reaction is severe. Staff will not attempt to transport the sick child in their own vehicle
• Ensure someone contacts the parent(s) whilst waiting for the ambulance, and arrange to meet them at the hospital
• Arrange for the most appropriate member of staff to accompany the child, taking with them any relevant information such as registration forms, relevant medication sheets, medication and the child’s comforter
• Redeploy staff if necessary to ensure there is adequate staff deployment to care for the remaining children. This may mean temporarily grouping the children together
• Inform a member of the management team immediately
• Remain calm at all times and continue to comfort and reassure the child experiencing an allergic reaction.  Children who witness the incident may also be affected by it and may need lots of cuddles and reassurance. Staff may also require additional support following the incident
• Where a serious incident occurs and a child requires hospital treatment, the Care Inspectorate will be informed.

This policy is updated at least annually in consultation with staff and parents and/or after a serious incident.

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of the nursery	Date for review
05.08.25		05.08.26

Links to UNCRC Articles: 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, 23, 24

0-3 (Pink and Yellow room)

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Oatcakes with spread (oats)	Sweet and sour chicken with egg noodles (wheat, egg) Pineapple fingers and pear slices	Cereal (wheat, oats, milk, barley)
Tuesday	Crumpets (wheat, milk)	Fish goujon with potatoes, peas and carrots, homemade tomato sauce (fish, milk, eggs) Fish in tomato sauce-0-2s Yogurt and fruit (milk)	Toast (wheat)
Wednesday	Cracker and spread (wheat, milk)	Chilli, cous cous and Vegetables (wheat,) Jelly and Fruit	Soft cheese on melba toast (wheat, milk)
Thursday	Plain scone (wheat, milk)	Macaroni Cheese with Garden peas and Sweetcorn (milk, wheat) Apple and pear	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Friday	Yogurt and banana (milk)	Sweet Potato and Squash soup Cheese sandwich with cucumber slices (wheat, soya, milk)	Toasted muffin with spread (wheat)

Possible food allergens are marked in red please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times

3-5 ( Green room )

Week Beginning 27.10.25

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Oatcakes with spread (oats)	Sweet and sour chicken with egg noodles (wheat, egg) Pineapple fingers and pear slices	Cereal, (Wheat, oats, milk, barley)
Tuesday	Crumpets (wheat, milk)	Fish goujon with potatoes, peas and carrots, homemade tomato sauce (fish, milk, eggs) Yogurt and fruit. (milk)	Plain pasta with grated cheese (wheat, milk)
Wednesday	Cracker and spread (wheat, milk)	Chilli, cous cous and Vegetables (wheat,) Jelly and Fruit	Cheese and Tomato Quesadillas (wheat, milk)
Thursday	Plain scone (wheat, milk)	Macaroni Cheese with Garden peas and Sweetcorn (milk, wheat) Apple and pear	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Friday	Yogurt and banana (milk)	Sweet Potato and Squash soup Cheese sandwich with cucumber slices (wheat, soya, milk)	Beans on Toast (wheat, soya)

Possible food allergens are marked in red please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times

0-3 (yellow and pink room)

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Ricecakes	Sausage casserole with cous cous (wheat, sulphites) Banana and Custard (milk)	Chicken sandwiches (wheat, soya, eggs)
Tuesday	Toasted Bagel (wheat, milk)	Turkey Meatballs with Fusilli pasta and cauliflower (wheat) Apple Flapjack and fruit (oats)	Pitta with cucumber and houmous (wheat, sesame)
Wednesday	Cracker and spread. (wheat)	Lentil soup with wholemeal Bread(wheat) Eves pudding with milk and choice of fruit (wheat, milk)	Breadsticks with salsa (wheat, milk)
Thursday	Banana Muffin (wheat, eggs)	Chicken in gravy with baby potatoes and Broccoli and carrots (wheat) Greek yogurt with strawberries (milk)	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Friday	Oatcakes (wheat, soya)	Lasagne with garden peas (wheat, milk) Fruit selection	Cheese on toast (wheat, milk, soya)

Possible food allergens are marked in red Please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times.

3-5s  (green room)

Week Beginning 03.11.25

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Ricecakes Oatcakes (wheat, soya)	Sausage casserole with cous cous (wheat, sulphites) Banana and Custard (milk)	Chicken sandwiches Melon boats (wheat, soya, eggs)
Tuesday	Toasted Bagel (wheat, milk) Ricecakes	Turkey Meatballs with Fusilli pasta and cauliflower (wheat) Apple Flapjack and fruit (oats)	Pitta with cucumber and houmous (wheat, sesame)
Wednesday	Cracker and spread. (wheat)	Sweet Potato and Squash soup with wholemeal Bread(wheat) Eves pudding with milk and choice of fruit (wheat, milk)	Tomato Pasta (wheat)
Thursday	Banana Muffin (wheat, eggs) Cracker and spread. (wheat)	Chicken in gravy with baby potatoes and Broccoli and carrots (wheat) Greek yogurt with strawberries (milk)	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Friday	Oatcakes (wheat, soya) Banana Muffin (wheat, eggs)	Lasagne with garden peas (wheat, milk) Fruit selection	Cheese on toast with pepper slices (wheat, milk, soya)

Possible food allergens are marked in red Please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times.

0-3 (Yellow and Pink rooms)

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Melba toast with spread (wheat, Milk)	Tomato Soup Chicken sandwiches (wheat, soya, milk)	Crackers with cucumber sticks (Wheat)
Tuesday	Crispbreads and spread (oats)	Tuna and Sweetcorn pasta (wheat, milk, fish) Pineapple and Pear	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Wednesday	Cheese and pepper scone (wheat,milk)	Chicken and veg curry with Basmati Rice (Barley) Greek yoghurt and grapes (milk)	Toast and Banana slices (wheat, soya)
Thursday	Pitta strips with soft cheese (wheat, milk)	Spaghetti Bolognaise (wheat) and spinach Strawberries and Watermelon/melon	Toasted Muffin (wheat, soya)
Friday	Toast (Milk, Wheat)	Fishcakes and Baked Beans with Pepper sticks (wheat, fish) Chocolate brownie and orange (wheat, egg)	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)

Possible food allergens are marked in red

 Please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times

3-5 (Green room)

	AM Snack	Lunch	PM Snack
Monday	Melba toast with spread (wheat, Milk)	Tomato Soup Chicken sandwiches (wheat, soya, milk)	Plain pasta with grated cheese (wheat, milk)
Tuesday	Crispbreads and spread (oats)	Tuna and Sweetcorn pasta (wheat, milk, fish) Pineapple and Pear	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)
Wednesday	Cheese and pepper scone (wheat,milk)	Chicken and veg curry with Basmati Rice (Barley) Greek yoghurt and grapes (milk)	Beans on Toast (wheat, soya)
Thursday	Pitta strips with soft cheese (wheat, milk)	Spaghetti Bolognaise (wheat) and spinach Strawberries and Watermelon/melon	Cheese and Tomato Pizza Muffin (wheat, milk)
Friday	Toast (Milk, Wheat)	Fishcakes and Baked Beans with Pepper sticks (wheat, fish) Chocolate brownie and orange (wheat, egg)	Cereal (wheat, oats, barley, milk)

Possible food allergens are marked in red

Please advise staff in your child’s room of any allergies or individual food requirements.

All children have the choice of 3 different fruits at snack times