How can we help children become confident with food?
We aim to provide children with healthy and well-balanced meals during their day at nursery, ensuring that have at least 5 of their seven a day.
However, every child and family have their own preference for the food they eat.
This could be for a variety of reasons:
- Cultural/religious
- Allergies
Children can also seem ‘fussy eaters’ due to:
- Control issues (children can feel they only have control of what goes in to their bodies and what comes out!)
- ASD and other conditions such as global delay
- Peer contribution
- Colour/texture/consistency of certain foods
At nursery we have a 3-week rotating menu which is available to parents. On joining parents are provided with a copy of the menu, this is a talking point that allows parents and staff to discuss dietary requirements and any issues they feel their child may surrounding food.
If a child has any special dietary requirements as a result of being diagnosed by a dietician e.g. having an allergy, then the nursery will need a specific diet plan and also an accompanying letter from your child’s doctor stating the allergies and any care plan that may need to be implemented.
We all know that life-long habits, both good and bad, have their roots in the pre-school years. We constantly discuss the development of social skills, cognitive. ability and self-esteem, but we often forget that the behaviour patterns that begin during this time also include habits to do with food.
At Clever Cloggs we believe that mealtimes should be viewed as a social experience as well as a necessity.
Children sit in small groups with an adult at each table if possible. Staff sit with the children during mealtimes to be positive role models.
Children learn through positive role models, by seeing adults eat in an appropriate manner and eating the same meal that is prepared for the child; this will encourage the children to do the same. To promote the children’s independence and autonomy we encourage them to serve their own food at mealtimes. An adult is always on hand to help.
Our nursery cook takes great care in knowing the children and their requirements and any issues that they may display around food. The cook is present throughout mealtimes to identify any issues that could be addressed and to discuss and answers all the questions that the children like to ask relating to the food that they are eating.
Through such an observational period it was identified that some children dislike their food touching, and it was becoming an issue to alleviate this problem we introduced plates that allow for food to be served separately.
Through providing activities based around food our cook has assisted numerous children in becoming more confident and trusting in trying new foods in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Food Activities
Boiled Egg
Encourage children to peel their own egg and talk about the textures and health benefits of eggs, allow children to cut them up. Encourage licking and smelling the egg. Eat the egg with the children to show that it is a god food.
Messy play
Provide messy play with a range of foods/colours/ textures. Let the children experiment and become comfortable with touch. Exploring food through play.
Sandwiches
Provide sandwich and fillings, allowing children to have control and make their own choices, making the children feel involved.
Cooking activities
Arrange cooking activities so children understand how to cook food, feel involved, learn through being practical and be proud of their achievements through the outcome.
If you have any questions or queries relating to mealtimes and the food that we offer please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help.
