Food safety and nutrition policy

Aim

The Playbox Nursery 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.

Objectives

• We recognise that we have a corporate responsibility and duty of care for those who work in and receive a service from the Playbox Nursery 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.
• Appropriate procedures are 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 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.
• We ensure that there is a qualified Paediatric First Aider present in all rooms when children are eating.
• We follow the main advice on dietary guidelines and the legal requirements for identifying food allergens when planning menus based on the four food groups:
• meat, fish, and protein alternatives
• milk and dairy products
• cereals and grains
• fresh fruit and vegetables.
• 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.
• The Playbox Nursery 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 identified on the menus.
• 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 or the childminder agency (CMA if registered with a CMA) 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.

This policy was reviewed & updated at a meeting of The Playbox committee held on  24th June 2026

Signed Chairperson:     Jane Sharp

Annex

The Playbox Nursery plans to promote a healthy lifestyle and high standard of hygiene and to conform to current Food Safety Legislation in its day-to-day work with children. It recognises that it is important that all children get the right amount of nutrition and energy they need while they are growing rapidly, which is especially important for children who might not have access to healthy food at home.  Additionally it is helpful for children to develop positive eating habits early on as children’s early experiences with food can shape future eating habits which could impact on their long-term health.

• Snacks provided will be nutritious and pay attention to children’s particular dietary requirements. Parents will be asked to advise Playbox of any special dietary requirements and of any action that would need to be taken in the event of an allergic reaction.  Information about dietary requirements and children’s allergies will be available to all staff
• Fresh drinking water will be available and accessible to all children
• When cooking with children as an activity, the adults will provide healthy, wholesome food, promoting and extending the children’s understanding of a healthy diet
• Playbox will provide a clean sociable environment for children to eat their meals.  They will be encouraged to develop good eating skills and table manners and will be given plenty of time to eat
• Information about the food provided by Playbox will be available to parents and carers.  Guidance on food to be provided from home will be offered to parents. They will be referred to “Eat Better; Start Better” [National Nutritional Guidance]
• The importance of learning about food is recognised by Playbox and activities are offered through role play involving food preparation and cooking.  Learning includes social communication round tables during meal or snack times.  All staff are expected to lead by example.

Food Safety and Hygiene

• All members of staff have the basic food hygiene certificate.
• Staff are aware of hygiene procedures and prompt the importance of hand washing to the children, especially before preparing or eating food and after seeing to personal needs.
• Appropriate food safety precautions are taken in the preparation of all food and snacks
• Parents/carers are asked to use a cold pack during the summer months so food does not spoil
• Parents/carers are asked to ensure that there are no nuts in packed lunches.  This is a nut free setting
• Parents/carers are asked to cut food correctly to prevent choking hazards
• Children are always supervised ensuring correct staff ratios and attentive care
• There is always a first aid trained member of staff on duty at lunch time and snack time