Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating and physical activity are essential for proper growth and development. Our setting promotes positive attitudes and enjoyment of food. Developing patterns of healthy eating from an early stage will not only shape your child’s eating habits but also support good physical, nutritional and oral (teeth) health. 

Snack

Your child will be actively involved in the planning, preparation, serving and enjoyment of foods in the ELC. Snack menus are planned with the children and facilitated through our onsite Catering Team. We follow the guidelines set out in Setting the Table (NHS Scotland, 2018) which provides guidance on the standard of food provision in childcare settings in Scotland.

A typical menu looks something like this:

Your child will be encouraged to try new foods, learn about healthy snacks and drinks and make choices about their eating. The children are encouraged to self-serve their meal/ snack choices and wash their plates following snack.

Lunch

We provide a calm and relaxed space for your child to enjoy their lunch. This is a social event where children can chat over their food. The staff model good eating habits, encourage table manners and supervise them closely.

Our Catering Staff serve lunch daily in the comfort of our nursery setting. Your child will develop skills to use cutlery and talk with their peers during this time.

A copy of the lunch menu is available on Midlothian Council’s website. Please discuss any dietary requirements with a member of the ELC team in the first instance.

Drinks

Your child will have access to water throughout the nursery day and have the option of water or milk during snack and lunch times.

Toothbrushing

Childsmile is a national programme to improve oral health. You can expect your child to receive a free dental pack and regularly brush their teeth in the ELC setting.