Nutrition at Growning Minds

At Growing Minds Nursery and Pre-School, we prioritise the health and well-being of every child by providing a balanced and nutritious diet. We understand that healthy eating is vital for children’s growth and development. That’s why our snacks feature a variety of wholesome foods, introducing little ones to diverse tastes and textures while fostering positive eating habits from an early age. Our goal is to nourish young minds and bodies, laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices.

Snack time and Lunch time at Growing Minds! 

Snack Time and Mealtime Conversations

Mealtimes offer wonderful opportunities to engage children in meaningful conversations about food and health. These moments allow children to explore the importance of a balanced diet and foster an understanding of how to keep themselves healthy.

We encourage discussions about food by talking about healthy eating habits and why they matter. This approach helps children develop a positive relationship with food, reduces food waste, and promotes mindful eating behaviours that can benefit them for life.

Snack and Mealtime Approach

Our snack times provide children with the chance to relax, explore, and enjoy a wide variety of foods. We focus on serving nutritious snacks to support their growth and overall well-being.

Foods We Provide for Snack Time

· Starchy Foods: Examples include pitta bread, breadsticks (low salt), rice cakes, tortilla wraps, chapattis, crumpets, bagels, malt loaf, sliced sweet potato, and teacakes.

· Vegetables: Options include carrot sticks, cucumber slices, peppers, avocado, beetroot, tomatoes (quartered for safety).

· Fruits: A selection of fresh fruits is offered, including apples, oranges, bananas, grapes (quartered lengthwise for safety), strawberries, blueberries, pears, and seasonal fruits like mango, guava, or blackberries.

This variety encourages children to try different foods while learning about their nutritional value in a fun, relaxed environment.

By making snack and mealtime conversations engaging, we teach children essential life skills about healthy eating that will serve them well into adulthood.

Snack and Lunch Routine at Growing Minds

At Growing Minds, snack and lunch are offered at consistent times daily to help children develop healthy eating routines and manage their appetite.

· Snack Time: 20 minutes

· Lunch Time: 30–40 minutes

This provides enough time for children to eat comfortably without feeling rushed. We support those who may need extra time.

Packed Lunch Guidelines

Parents and caregivers must ensure packed lunches are safe, nutritious, and meet the following guidelines:

Include:

· Fruit & Vegetables: At least one portion daily. (Cut grapes or cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise to prevent choking.)

· Protein: Meat, fish, or non-dairy alternatives. Include oily fish (e.g., salmon,tuna) every 3 weeks.

· Starchy Foods: Bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes, or cereals.

· Dairy: Milk, cheese, yoghurt, or custard.

· Drinks: Still water, fruit juice, semi-skimmed milk, yoghurt drinks, or smoothies (in plastic bottles or cartons).

Avoid:

· Nuts (including peanut butter)—We are a nut-free site.

· Chocolate bars/cakes, popcorn, and fizzy drinks.

For ideas and tips, visit: ·https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/ 

 some inspirations 

  https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed

Thank you for supporting your child’s health and learning!

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

We are dedicated to fostering a sense of health and happiness for both children and their families throughout their journey with us. Our commitment extends beyond physical health to include emotional and mental wellbeing, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and valued. Through engaging activities, nutritious meals, and a focus on positive relationships, we aim to build a foundation for lifelong health and happiness.

Recognising Emotions

In our nursery, we priotise helping children understand and recognise their emotions. We teach them how to express their feelings and manage their behaviours effectively. Our dedicated approach to emotional literacy supports children in forming stronger relationships with both their peers and adults. Each morning, we encourage children to share how they feel and discuss ways we can help them if they are feeling upset

A Place Where Children Feel Safe and Cherished

Children flourish in the safe and nurturing environment in our nursery, supported by our skilled and dedicated teams. Our educators possess a deep understanding of child development and are highly trained in the early year’s curriculum. By working together, they provide each child with exceptional care and support every day

We empower children with techniques for relaxation.

· · Enhance Self-Control 🚦

· Reduces Stress and Anxiety 🧘

· Improves Focus and Attention 🧠

· Develops Fine and Gross Motor Skills ⚖️

· Builds Strength and Flexibility 💪

· Supports Emotional Regulation 🎭

· Promotes Overall Health and Well-being 🏥

· Strengthens Parent-Child Relationships 🤝

Building Healthy Habits

At Growing Minds, we believe that healthy children are happy children. We provide dedicated outdoor spaces to support physical development and foster a connection with the natural world. Our programs also emphasize the importance of oral health and encourage healthy hygiene habits. Through engaging activities, children learn about the benefits of regular exercise and nutritious eating—foundations that will strengthen as they grow into healthy, mindful adults.

Healthy Living

Healthy habits lead to happy lives for children. Growing Minds is equipped with dedicated outdoor spaces that promote physical development and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Through active play and exploration, children engage with their environment, enhancing their coordination, strength, and overall well-being. In addition to physical activity, we emphasise the importance of oral health and instil good hygiene habits from an early age. By teaching children how to care for their bodies, we empower them to make healthy choices that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Valued as Individuals

At Growing Minds, we celebrate the individuality of every child, recognising that each brings their own unique story to our community. We believe this diversity strengthens and enriches us all, which is why we foster an inclusive and non-selective environment. Our commitment is to embrace and honour each child’s identity, cultivating a deep sense of belonging and acceptance. By valuing their distinctive qualities, we empower children to express themselves freely and confidently, ensuring they feel truly appreciated for who they are.