Statement of Intent
At Rochester Preschool, we believe that meal times should be a happy, social occasion for staff and children alike. Eating represents a social time for the children and adults and Positive interactions should be shared at these times and enjoyed.  

Aim :Rochester Preschool is committed to promoting children’s healthy, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks which meet individual needs and requirements. Staff have all completed Level 2 in Food safety and hygiene.

Methods 

• Fresh drinking water will be constantly available and frequently offered to children. Children will all have an individual bottle of drinking water that they can access independently at all times. It is required that they bring this bottle from home with their name on and staff will refill as necessary. 
• Individual dietary requirements will be respected.  We will gather information from parents regarding their children’s dietary needs including any allergies or allergen on their entry profiles. Any allergies children have are known to all staff and their food is prepared separately to avoid contamination.
• Staff will show sensitivity in providing for children’s diets and allergies. They will not use a child’s diet or allergy as a label for the child, or make a child feel singled out because of his or her diet or allergy.
• We use meal and snack times to help children to develop independence through making choices, serving food and drinks and feeding themselves. All children are encouraged to collect their drinking bottles before sitting down for each meal/snack. 
• A balanced lunch must be provided by parents depending on what sessions your child is doing (Afternoon and All day).
• Snack will be provided by preschool.
• During meal and snack times children will be encouraged to use their manners and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and conversation will be encouraged
• Children who are slow eaters will be given time and not rushed to eat their meals.
• Cooking activities will promote healthy eating and independence.
• We do not allow Nuts or Nut products due to allergies and preschool is a Nut Free Zone.
• We remind parents of foods that maybe a choking hazard or ways to prepare certain foods to avoid this, eg. Grapes, sausages and popcorn. 
• Children will be supervised when eating at all mealtimes within the preschool.