Healthy Eating Policy
July 2026
LC Policy #40
Little Crumpets provides healthy, nutritious and balanced food and drinks. Food and drink are safely prepared with regard to the dietary and religious requirements of the children in our care, food preferences and allergies. Parents must notify us regarding any special dietary requirements or allergies when they register their child.
Information regarding food allergies is recorded on the Allergy Information Board which is visible to staff whilst food is being prepared.
Little Crumpets promotes healthy eating and leads by example. Staff responsible for food preparation, handling and storage have received appropriate training.
We provide suitable healthy snacks for all the children.
Children are encouraged to develop good eating skills and table manners.
All children are given plenty of time to eat.
Where appropriate, children are involved in planning and preparing food and snacks.
Fresh drinking water is available and accessible to children at all times.
Fresh fruit is available at all sessions.
Withholding food is never used as a form of punishment.
Staff discuss with children the importance of a balanced diet where appropriate.
Little Crumpets does not regularly provide sweets for children. However, as we know it’s all in moderation and the occasional sweets e.g. decorate your own birthday cake requests will be considered. Sweet intakes will be checked with parents beforehand to ensure consistency with home life.
We limit access to fatty or sugary foods.
Children are never forced to eat or drink anything against their will.
Children are always supervised (within sight and hearing) of an adult whilst eating
This Policy will be reviewed annually and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Food and drink [3.62] and Safer Eating [3.63- 3.70] and Food and Drink Facilities [3.71] and Food poisoning [3.72].