Health and Nutrition
As a childminder the health and well being of the children in my care is important. Children need good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for long term health and development. Children develop attitudes towards health and nutrition from the adults around them so I ensure I have strong key messages about healthy food and physical activities to encourage both children and parents to eat healthy balanced meals live healthy lifestyles to give children the best life chances.
In order to help me achieve this I aim to gain the Milton Keynes Health and Well-Being Award which covers the following themes – Healthy eating, physical activity and lifestyle. I use the following guidance to inform my practice:
This policy covers the following:
The food I provide
Snacks I provide are guided by:
Food to be provided by parents (including breast milk, formula milk and packed meals)
We do not allow sweets, Crisps, chocolate, chocolate spread or fizzy in packed lunches. We give parents guidance on what makes a good packed lunch and healthy snacks and use the ‘Eat better, start better’ guide.
Packed lunch Guidelines
Packed Lunch
For more information
https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes
Breast feeding
Links to NHS information onParents are welcome to breast feed in my home
Breast fed and Bottle Fed Babies
The use of expressed breast milk is encouraged in our nursery and we have strict guidelines for storing breast milk.
Breast Milk Storage
Fridge 4 degrees C or lower
8 days
Ice compartment of a fridge
2 weeks
Frozen -18 degrees C or lower
6 months
We signpost parents to the NHS website for guidance on going back to work and expressing and storing milk.
There are details of the local breastfeeding cafes on my website.
Useful websites:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/breastfeeding-back-to-work.aspx#close
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/expressing-storing-breast-milk.aspx#close
Formula milk is made up fresh and to the manufacturers instructions.
Left over milk is discarded.
Weaning Babies
Current government guidelines say that children should start weaning at around 6 months and there are developmental cues that tell us when babies are ready.
Weaning advice from Starting Solid Food course
Developmental cues:
When the child is
Best steps for starting solids
Role of parent carer
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/ready-or-not/
Preterm babies need special consideration and advice should be sought by parents/carers from the health visitor, medical team, dietician who are caring for them.
Honey, salt and added sugar will not be given to children under 12 months
Unpasteurised dairy products and mould ripened cheeses will not be given to children under the age of 2 years.
Foods with added plant steroids such as benecol and flora pro active shall not be used in any foods give to children in the setting.
Dental health
Children are taught about oral hygiene and recognising sugary foods and drinks.
We support and encourage positive oral health in the following ways:
Allergies and special dietary requirements
Fussy eaters
The environment and social and learning aspects of meal times
Meal times are a good time to teach children meal time etiquette as well as counting and sharing. Children will be encouraged to
I encourage social group interaction during meal times including turn taking, skills with utensils, hand washing and table manners. I sit children at round table to encourage social skills and good eating habits. Meal times are used as an opportunity to provide education about healthy eating.
Children are introduced to open cups from the age of 6 months and exclusively used from 12 months onwards. We support children in this transition by:
Physical activity
I follow the Physical Activity Guidelines when planning the day and display the posters in my home and links to them on my website.
Early years (under 5s) for infants who are not yet walking
Early years (under 5s) – for children who are capable of walking
Provide plenty of outdoor activities and outings
Children encouraged to walk on outings if this is possible
Healthy eating and lifestyle education
Website will contain a healthy eating and lifestyle section with links to change4life and the guidance I use as well as this policy and its updates
I believe that food based activities are a great way of introducing children to a wide variety of foods in a non threatening way as well as developing skills and an interest in cooking healthy foods.
Cookery sessions
Good hygiene practices are taught such as hair being tied back, wearing of chef’s hats and aprons, washing hands and nails with a brush. Cookery skills are taught, including cutting and chopping, grating, stirring, sifting and rolling.
Non eating activities
Cooking with children and eating activities
Communication with parents
Snack menu displayed in setting
I provide parents with information about healthy eating and healthy living in a variety of ways in order for these principles to be received and reinforced by the families using my childcare service.
My welcome packs include a wealth of information including guidance on healthy eating (including snacks, drinks, packed lunches, meal ideas) as well as letting making parents feel welcome and comfortable should they need to breastfeed in my setting. I also offer information on where they can get support for breastfeeding, how to express and store their breast milk and how we manage the use of expressed breast milk in our setting.
Food Hygiene
I follow the Safer food, better business for childminders and am registered as a food business.
The children, my family and I always wash hands before preparing or touching food.
We also wash our hands after:
Training
In order to help me achieve this I aim to gain the Milton Keynes Health and Well-Being Award which covers the following themes – Healthy eating, physical activity and lifestyle. I use the following guidance to inform my practice:
- Eat Better, Start Better: Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Setting in England, A Practical guide. The Schools Food Trust
- Example Menus for Early Years Settings in England. HM Government
- Eating Well for 1-4 year olds. The Caroline Walker Trust
- NHS Change4Life
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Early Years (under 5s) – For Infants who are not yet Walking
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Early Years (under 5s) – For Children who are Capable of Walking
This policy covers the following:
- The food I provide
- Food to be provided by parents (including breast milk, formula milk and packed meals)
- Breast feeding
- Weaning
- Dental health
- Allergies and special dietary requirements
- Fussy eaters
- The environment and social aspects of meal times
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating and lifestyle education
- Communication with parents
- Lifestyle influences
- Food Hygiene
The food I provide
Snacks I provide are guided by:
- the Example Menus for Early Years Settings in England. HM Government
- Eat Better, Start Better: Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines for Early Years Setting in England, A Practical guide. The Schools Food Trust
- Eating Well for 1-4 year olds. The Caroline Walker Trust
Food to be provided by parents (including breast milk, formula milk and packed meals)
- Packed lunch guidance
We do not allow sweets, Crisps, chocolate, chocolate spread or fizzy in packed lunches. We give parents guidance on what makes a good packed lunch and healthy snacks and use the ‘Eat better, start better’ guide.
Packed lunch Guidelines
Packed Lunch
- a portion of starchy food,
- at least one portion of fruit and/or vegetables,
- a portion of non dairy sources of protein,
- a portion of milk or dairy food,
- and give guidance on desserts, cakes, biscuits and crisps
- Diluted fruit juice (half juice, half water) meal times only
- Whole milk for children aged one to two
- Semi skimmed milk for children two and over
- water
- Starchy food
- Fruit and vegetables
- Milk or dairy food
- No sugary foods (cakes, biscuits or raisins)
For more information
https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes
- Label all food with child’s name and date
- Packed lunches will be kept in the fridge
- Formula
- Breast milk
- Weaning
Breast feeding
Links to NHS information onParents are welcome to breast feed in my home
Breast fed and Bottle Fed Babies
The use of expressed breast milk is encouraged in our nursery and we have strict guidelines for storing breast milk.
- Parents provide breast milk in a clearly labelled container including the child’s full name, the date it was expressed and how it has been stored (fridge, ice compartment of fridge or freezer) as this ensures it is safe to use.
- Breast milk is stored in a fridge 4 degrees or lower
- Defrosted milk should be used immediately and must not be refrozen once thawed.
- Breast milk is either given to the baby cold or warmed with a bottle warmer according to parent’s guidance.
- We ensure parents are aware of the importance of sterilising breast pumps and bottles.
- We never use a microwave to heat or defrost breast milk (or formula milk) due to the dangers of scolding a baby’s mouth.
Breast Milk Storage
Fridge 4 degrees C or lower
8 days
Ice compartment of a fridge
2 weeks
Frozen -18 degrees C or lower
6 months
We signpost parents to the NHS website for guidance on going back to work and expressing and storing milk.
There are details of the local breastfeeding cafes on my website.
Useful websites:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/breastfeeding-back-to-work.aspx#close
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/expressing-storing-breast-milk.aspx#close
Formula milk is made up fresh and to the manufacturers instructions.
Left over milk is discarded.
Weaning Babies
Current government guidelines say that children should start weaning at around 6 months and there are developmental cues that tell us when babies are ready.
Weaning advice from Starting Solid Food course
Developmental cues:
When the child is
- Able to sit up unsupported
- Can hold their head steady
- Is able to grab objects
- Is able to move objects to their mouth
- No longer has the tongue protrusion reflex
Best steps for starting solids
- Start with tastes- maybe just once a day
- Mashed texture – no need for purees
- Appropriate cutlery and equipment is essential (eg highchair)
- Provide opportunities for self feeding
- Offer family foods – no need for packets and jars (home cooked)
- Encourage parents to move on to textures quickly
- Use bite and dissolve finger food
- Gagging is natural
- Build up to 3 meals and 2-3 snacks and independence at age 1 year
- Be guided by the baby
Role of parent carer
- Respond to infant cues appropriately (if the baby is turning their head away they don’t want the food)
- Support the child’s self regulation of hunger and satiety
- Create a relaxed and fun environment for feeding
- Recognise baby’s feeding cues
- Let baby move at own pace
- Eat together as a family
- Provide a variety of foods
- Lots of praise when eating well
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/ready-or-not/
Preterm babies need special consideration and advice should be sought by parents/carers from the health visitor, medical team, dietician who are caring for them.
Honey, salt and added sugar will not be given to children under 12 months
Unpasteurised dairy products and mould ripened cheeses will not be given to children under the age of 2 years.
Foods with added plant steroids such as benecol and flora pro active shall not be used in any foods give to children in the setting.
Dental health
Children are taught about oral hygiene and recognising sugary foods and drinks.
We support and encourage positive oral health in the following ways:
- I encourage parents to register their child with a dentist when the child is 2 years old
- Dental role play
Allergies and special dietary requirements
- parents inform before start
- list made and displayed in kitchen
- food for special diets labelled
- jugs with different coloured lids and labelled for children to pour their own drinks at meal times
- Allergies – staff are aware of any children who have food allergies and written records are kept and all ingredients of meals and snacks are checked carefully to avoid exposing an allergic child to the allergen. We have preparation and cleaning practices that ensures the prevention of cross contamination.
Fussy eaters
- I will give fussy eaters the chance to try new foods by offering small samples
- I will not force them to try it
- I talk enthusiastically about the tastes and textures of the food both at meal times and at other opportunities (wasn’t lunch tasty, I loved the crunchiness of the carrots?)
- Children are given regular and repeated chances to taste new food
- I offer small samples to children who are resistant to trying new foods and offer them the option of spitting out into a tissue and putting it in the bin followed by washing their hands if they really do not like it.
- I always praise children who try new foods whatever the outcome.
- I never use food as a reward or punishment
- Children are never forced to finish what is on their plate but are encouraged to eat. I encourage them to have one or two more bites before the next part of their meal
The environment and social and learning aspects of meal times
Meal times are a good time to teach children meal time etiquette as well as counting and sharing. Children will be encouraged to
- Set the table and count how many cups, plates etc needed
- Learn what crockery is needed for what kind of food
- Are encouraged to help themselves to snacks
- Are given a limit on how much to take using the food guidance
- Encouraged to have conversations
I encourage social group interaction during meal times including turn taking, skills with utensils, hand washing and table manners. I sit children at round table to encourage social skills and good eating habits. Meal times are used as an opportunity to provide education about healthy eating.
- Meals and snack times are spread evenly so snacks are not too close to meal times.
- The meal time routine
- Children and staff wash their hands before meal times and snacks
- Areas for eating are kept clean, warm and bright and are clear from distractions
Children are introduced to open cups from the age of 6 months and exclusively used from 12 months onwards. We support children in this transition by:
- Giving children a cup to play with when they are able to hold it
- Introduce a cup when weaning starts
- Giving small amounts to avoid large spillages and top up when necessary
- We keep the bottle out of sight when offering a drink from a cup
- Food is never used as a punishment or reward
- No child is left alone when eating as we recognise meal times are social occasions and provide a valuable opportunity to talk about the food we eat.
- I praise children for good eating
- I talk to children about what they are eating during meal times, including the taste, texture and smell of the food.
- High chairs with a tray and fitted with safety straps are used and self feeding encouraged from 6 months
Physical activity
I follow the Physical Activity Guidelines when planning the day and display the posters in my home and links to them on my website.
Early years (under 5s) for infants who are not yet walking
- Physical activity should encouraged from birth, particularly though floor based play and water based activities in safe environments
- All under 5s should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping)
Early years (under 5s) – for children who are capable of walking
- Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours) spread throughout the day.
- All under 5s should minimise the amount of time being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping)
Provide plenty of outdoor activities and outings
Children encouraged to walk on outings if this is possible
Healthy eating and lifestyle education
Website will contain a healthy eating and lifestyle section with links to change4life and the guidance I use as well as this policy and its updates
I believe that food based activities are a great way of introducing children to a wide variety of foods in a non threatening way as well as developing skills and an interest in cooking healthy foods.
Cookery sessions
Good hygiene practices are taught such as hair being tied back, wearing of chef’s hats and aprons, washing hands and nails with a brush. Cookery skills are taught, including cutting and chopping, grating, stirring, sifting and rolling.
Non eating activities
Cooking with children and eating activities
- Vegetable printing
- Growing herbs and vegetables
- Food pictures/collages using dried foods or pictures of food
- Imaginative play
- Books with a food based theme (Jody’s beans)
- Play dough making fruits and vegetables
- Food related rhymes and games
- Celebration snack time or meal
- Blindfolded fruit and vegetable tasting, touching food
- The tasting game (healthy under 5s resources)
- More fruit kebabs (healthy under 5s resources)
- Cook and taste foods from around the world/different cultures
- Whats the difference? Try different versions of the same foods (cheese, bread, fruit, veg)
Communication with parents
Snack menu displayed in setting
I provide parents with information about healthy eating and healthy living in a variety of ways in order for these principles to be received and reinforced by the families using my childcare service.
My welcome packs include a wealth of information including guidance on healthy eating (including snacks, drinks, packed lunches, meal ideas) as well as letting making parents feel welcome and comfortable should they need to breastfeed in my setting. I also offer information on where they can get support for breastfeeding, how to express and store their breast milk and how we manage the use of expressed breast milk in our setting.
Food Hygiene
I follow the Safer food, better business for childminders and am registered as a food business.
The children, my family and I always wash hands before preparing or touching food.
We also wash our hands after:
- Going to the toilet
- Touching raw meat/poultry/eggs
- Emptying bins
- Cleaning
- Touching a cut or changing a dressing
- Handling pets, their feeding bowls or other equipment
- Contact with potties, nappies and changing mats
- Cleaning up accidents (e.g. vomit or diarrhoea)
- Helping a child use the toilet
- Wiping or blowing your their nose or a child’s nose
- Outside activities
- Touching dirty laundry
Training
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and safety for catering
- Eating for Health Starting Solid Foods
- Healthy Under 5s Focus on Obesity Training day
- Oral Health Training for Childminders