Food Play Policy

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we recognise that food play can be a valuable part of early learning, supporting children’s sensory development, curiosity, creativity and understanding of the world.

Food play activities are carefully planned, risk assessed and supervised to ensure children’s safety, wellbeing and inclusion, in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework, Ofsted expectations and food hygiene guidance.

Purpose of food play

Food play is used to enhance children’s learning and development and is never undertaken without clear educational purpose. Activities may support:
• Sensory exploration (texture, smell, temperature, colour)
• Fine motor development
• Communication and language
• Mathematical concepts such as quantity and capacity
• Personal, social and emotional development

Food play activities are appropriate to children’s age, stage of development and individual needs.

Safety and supervision

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we ensure any food we use for play with the children is carefully supervised.

We will use the following procedures to ensure children are kept safe:
• Choking hazards are checked and avoided
• All food play activities are fully supervised by staff at all times
• Age-appropriate resources are selected to reduce risk

Use of specific food items
• We will not use whole jelly cubes for play. If we use jelly to enhance our play, all jelly will be prepared with water as per the manufacturer’s instructions before use
• Small objects such as dried pasta and pulses will only be used for older children and under close supervision
• Foods that present a higher choking risk (e.g. whole grapes, nuts, popcorn) will not be used in food play activities
• Hot foods or liquids will only be used when appropriate, fully risk assessed and cooled to a safe temperature before use

Allergies, intolerances and inclusion

All allergies and intolerances will be checked, and activities will be adapted to suit all children’s needs so no child is excluded.
• Children’s allergies will be clearly visible to staff when setting up food play activities to ensure all needs are met
• Any cooking activities will be checked prior to starting to ensure all children are able to use the ingredients based on their individual needs

No child will be excluded from an activity due to allergies or dietary requirements; suitable alternatives will always be provided. This supports our inclusive practice and duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Hygiene and food safety

Good hygiene practices are followed at all times during food play activities to reduce the risk of contamination and illness.
• Children and staff wash hands before and after food play
• Surfaces and equipment are cleaned before and after activities
• Food used for play is not eaten unless the activity has been specifically planned as a cooking or tasting activity and meets food hygiene standards
• Any perishable food used for play is disposed of safely after the activity

Environmental awareness and responsible use of food

We will not use food in play unless it enhances the opportunities children are receiving from the activity.

We recognise the importance of promoting respect for food and reducing waste. Much of the food used will be reused in other activities where safe to do so, particularly dry materials Food play is carefully planned to minimise waste and avoid unnecessary use of edible food.

Staff responsibilities

Staff are responsible for ensuring food play activities are planned, risk assessed, inclusive and supervised. Any concerns regarding allergies, safety or suitability of materials must be raised with the room leader or management team before the activity takes place.

Partnership with parents

Parents are informed of food play activities through displays or communication systems. Any concerns from parents regarding food play will be listened to and addressed promptly.

Safeguarding and EYFS compliance

Food play activities form part of our wider safeguarding and risk assessment procedures and support the EYFS requirement to keep children safe while promoting learning and development. Ofsted may review food play practices as part of inspections relating to safety, inclusion and curriculum intent.