Safer Eating

Winston’s Place Day Nursery is committed to providing s safe, healthy, and inclusive mealtime environment that supports the wellbeing of every child. We recognise the importance of appropriate food preparation, supervision, and responsive practice during mealtimes to reduce the risk of choking and to promote children’s independence, confidence, and enjoyment in eating.

This policy aims to ensure that all children are kept safe during meal and snack times by implementing effective procedures around food preparation, supervision, and emergency readiness. We will ensure that individual needs, including allergies and cultural dietary preferences, are respected and met with care and diligence.

All food provided to children is prepared in accordance with current Food Standards Agency guidance and with a strong emphasis on child safety. Staff distribute meals and snacks using age-appropriate portion sizes and cut the food up to reduce the risk of choking. For example, grapes are sliced lengthwise, food items known to pose a high choking risk are either adapted or avoided. Children under five years are never served whole nuts, popcorn, boiled sweets, or similar items. Hot foods are always cooled to a safe temperature before serving.

Each child with an allergy, intolerance, or specific dietary requirement will have an individual health care plan, developed in consultation with parents, guardians and relevant healthcare professionals. All allergy and dietary information is clearly displayed in the food preparation and serving areas for reference by all relevant staff. Where applicable, separate utensils, preparation areas, and food storage methods are used to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Staff are trained to identify signs of allergic reactions and are confident in administering appropriate emergency responses, including the use of auto-injectors.

Children are always supervised and seated when consuming food and drinks and are never allowed to eat while walking, running, or lying down. Children are supervised closely by staff during all mealtimes to ensure safety and to support social interaction and positive behaviour. Staff position themselves so that they can observe all children while engaging in conversation, modelling appropriate eating behaviours, and offering gentle encouragement. Staffing ratios are strictly maintained or exceeded during mealtimes to ensure adequate supervision. A member of staff is always seated and facing the children when they are eating, as choking can be silent.

To further minimise the risk of choking, staff encourage children to eat slowly and chew their food thoroughly. Mealtimes are calm and structured and staff discourage excessive talking with food in their mouth. Drinks are provided with meals. Children are never offered food or drink in pushchairs, cots, or while moving around the setting.

There is always at least one qualified paediatric first aider present during mealtimes. All staff are trained to recognise signs of choking and know how to respond calmly and effectively, following their training. Any such incidents will be recorded on an accident form and review by management as part of the setting’s ongoing commitment to safety.

We encourage children to explore a wide range of foods and to develop independence in feeding themselves. Mealtimes are unhurried and nurturing. Staff support children in making healthy choices, using appropriate cutlery, and developing social skills such as taking turns and engaging in conversation. Children are never forced to eat but are encouraged in a gentle and respectful manner.

Meals are seen as a key opportunity for learning and connection, not only for nutritional intake.
All staff involved in food preparation and supervision of meals receive regular training in food hygiene, choking prevention, and allergy awareness. Paediatric first aid training is mandatory for all staff and is refreshed every three years or earlier if required.