Healthy Eating
Kids in Bloom have a healthy and nutritional menu, carefully designed with considerations around nutrition and healthy living. The menu is created with balance in mind. Staff and children are encouraged to eat together and enjoy the food on offer.
A typical day in nursery starts with breakfast around 8.30-9am. Mid-morning we might stop for fruit, Lunch time is around 11.30am. Again, mid-afternoon we might stop for a fruit break and then around 3.30pm we have afternoon snack. If we consider that some children have breakfast before they arrive at nursery, and most will have tea once they get collected a child could effectively have 7 portions of food throughout the day. We also need to consider a 2/3 year olds tummy is the size of a clinched fist.
As per policies/terms and conditions, if a child/ren has allergies or dietary/cultural/SEND /medical needs, we must consider these. Any child with any of the above is added onto our nursery management software and we create alternatives. All allergy/dietary/cultural/SEND/medical needs are displayed in each room and in the kitchen and are updated when a new child starts, or a need expires or begins.
We do appreciate children and food can be a difficult mix and as parents we just want our children’s tummies filled however as a regulated company, we cannot give a child nuggets and chips, crisps, etc, we have to offer healthy, nutritional foods, even though at times children may not fully eat them.
We are failing our children if when offered a healthy nutritious meal they say no, we then offer an easier alternative.
Nursery is a place where children can try new foods and learn so please don’t be concerned if your child didn’t eat all of their chicken stir fry, chorizo paella, vegetable pasta bake, shepherd’s pie or chicken tikka, as throughout the day and at home your child will be given more than enough but isn’t it amazing that your child is trying these adventurous and healthy meals. We will never get the children to eat something healthy if they know they will be offered an alternative so easily.
A question has also been raised about bringing in packed lunches. This is not allowed as we need to take 100% accountability on all foods within nursery when it comes to allergies and intolerances therefore no packed lunch is allowed.
West Derby & University Sites
Our West Derby & University Sites have commercial kitchens with dedicated trained chef who prepare and cook the food for the children daily.
David is based at the University and Tachi is based in West Derby.
Menus are created on a 4 weekly cycle.
We like the children to celebrate cultural events throughout the year therefore on occasion we will change the menu to reflect this.
Malvern, Northwood, Prescot & Southdene
Staff within each of the settings have the relevant food certification to prepare and serve the meals to the children.
A varied menu is provided to the children on a 9 week cycle.
We like the children to celebrate cultural events throughout the year therefore on occasion we will change the menu to reflect this.
