HSCS: 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 2.21, 4.11, 5.1

• licy Statement

  This policy sets out our approach to providing safe, healthy and inclusive meals and snacks, managing allergies and dietary needs, and promoting positive attitudes to food. We are committed to safeguarding every child’s health and well-being by ensuring that food and drink are prepared, served and supervised safely in line with statutory guidance.

   

  Our practice is informed by the Health and Social Care Standards, Setting the Table: Nutritional Standards and Practical Guidance for Early Learning and Childcare Providers in Scotland, and relevant food safety, allergy and public health guidance.

   

  Meals, snacks and drinks are planned to be healthy, balanced and nutritious, with fresh drinking water available at all times. Before admission, we collect full details of each child’s dietary needs, preferences, allergies or intolerances and share this information with all relevant staff to support safe, consistent care.

   

  Allergies and special diets are managed safely and sensitively through clear procedures, Individual Health Care Plans and close partnership with parents. Staff are trained to recognise and respond to allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and children are supervised closely during meals and snacks so that staff can respond promptly if concerns arise.

   

  Mealtimes are calm, social and inclusive experiences that promote children’s health, confidence and independence.

   

   

  Obtaining and Managing Dietary and Allergy Information

  We maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date information about every child’s dietary requirements, food allergies, intolerances and preferences. This ensures that meals are suitable and that all children’s health, safety and well-being are protected at all times.

  Information is gathered and reviewed through strong partnership with parents, effective use of Famly, and ongoing communication between the nursery, kitchen team and staff.

   

  • At Enrolment
    Before a child starts, parents and carers provide full details of any allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements or cultural and religious preferences. This information is recorded on the child’s registration form and uploaded to Famly, forming part of their individual record.

   

  • Updates and Reviews
    Families are asked to inform the nursery immediately of any changes to their child’s dietary needs, allergy status or medical advice. The nursery team reviews this information regularly to ensure it remains current. The kitchen and room teams are notified of updates straight away, and any changes are reflected in the allergy and dietary charts.

   

   

  • Allergy and Dietary Charts
    Each room and the kitchen display a current chart showing children’s dietary and allergy needs. These charts hold essential information for quick reference and are checked daily by staff before any food or drink is served. Risk assessments for children with allergies are held in the child’s room as well as the central risk assessment file.

   

  • Individual Health Care Plans (IHCPs)
    Children with diagnosed allergies or medical dietary needs have an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) and risk assessment created in partnership with parents and, where appropriate, health professionals. Each plan outlines the allergy, symptoms, medication and emergency procedures. Plans are reviewed each time the child moves room, termly or sooner if a child’s needs change.

   

  • Staff Knowledge and Awareness
    All relevant staff are fully briefed on children’s individual needs and understand how to prevent exposure to allergens and respond appropriately if a reaction occurs. Regular in-house discussions and refreshers ensure consistent understanding across the team.

   

  Through accurate record keeping, strong communication and close partnership with families, we make sure every child’s dietary and allergy needs are clearly understood and managed safely throughout the day.

   

   

  Safer Eating and Mealtime Supervision
  Children’s safety, comfort and enjoyment are central to everything we do at mealtimes. We create calm, sociable routines where children can eat confidently, develop independence and build positive relationships around food.

   

  A qualified member of staff, typically the Room Head or Deputy Room Head, oversees each mealtime and sits with the children to observe, support and engage with them. Staff remain attentive throughout, ensuring children are always within sight and hearing and never left unattended. All staff hold paediatric first aid qualifications and can respond promptly should a child become unwell or begin to choke.

   

  Staff model calm conversation, good table manners and positive attitudes towards food. Staff members join the children for lunch at the table, creating a relaxed, family-style atmosphere that encourages enjoyment and social learning as well as supporting younger children with their meals. Before meals and snacks, children sing our familiar “Please and Thank You” song, reinforcing kindness and manners in a fun way. Mealtimes are unhurried, allowing children to eat at their own pace. They are supported to pour their own water and, when ready, to self-serve, building confidence and independence. Portions are suitable for each child’s age and appetite, encouraging awareness of hunger and fullness.

   

  Foods that could pose a choking risk, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes or sausages, are always cut into small, safe pieces, guided by the food standards agency advice. Babies and younger children are seated securely in appropriate highchairs or chairs. Staff encourage slow, mindful eating in a calm, supportive environment.

   

  If a child becomes upset or refuses food, staff remain calm, remove the meal without fuss and offer reassurance. Children without dietary restrictions are gently encouraged to try small portions, helping them explore new tastes and textures without pressure.

   

  To maintain a hygienic and safe environment:

  • Tables and highchairs are cleaned before and after meals.
  • Age-appropriate cutlery and drinks are provided for each child.
  • Children wash their hands before and after eating, supported by staff.

   

  Any incidents, such as choking or illness, are recorded on Famly, reviewed by management and shared with parents the same day. Learning points are discussed with staff to promote ongoing reflection and best practice.

   

  Through consistent routines, close supervision and positive role modelling, we ensure that every meal is a safe, inclusive and nurturing experience that promotes children’s health, confidence and lifelong positive attitudes to food.

   

   

  Food Safety and Hygiene

  All food preparation and serving practices reflect current Scottish guidance on food safety, hygiene and nutrition for early learning and childcare settings.

   

  Meals are freshly prepared in our nursery kitchen by the chef or a trained member of staff with a current Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification. Preparation areas, utensils and tables are cleaned and sanitised throughout the day. Allergen-free foods are prepared and served separately to prevent cross-contamination. Safe storage, temperature control and handling routines are followed at all times.

   

  Handwashing before and after eating is an established part of our daily routine, helping children understand how to keep themselves clean and healthy. Staff model good hygiene and promote hydration and oral health naturally through conversation and example.

   

   

  Allergy Prevention and Identification

  Every child’s health and safety are at the heart of our daily routines, and nowhere is this more evident than in the care we take to manage allergies. We understand how serious allergic reactions can be and treat prevention as a whole-setting responsibility. Our systems are built on careful planning, clear communication and shared vigilance so that every child can eat safely and confidently.

   

  Knowing Every Child
  Before a child starts, parents and carers share full details of any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements. This information is recorded on Famly and discussed with the child’s key person, Room Head and the nursery chef to ensure everyone understands the child’s needs. When updates occur, such as a new diagnosis or changes on an allergy ladder, families are asked to notify us immediately so records remain accurate. Each room and the kitchen display a current allergy and dietary chart, including essential information for quick reference. These are reviewed regularly by the Nursery Manager to confirm accuracy.

   

  Preventing Exposure
  We take visible, practical steps to ensure that food provided to children with allergies is always safe.

  • Meals for children with allergies are prepared separately in the kitchen, and the cook signs to say that the meal is allergen free.
  • These meals are served on a red plate or in a red bowl alongside a red cup, which will be labelled with the child’s name and allergens to be checked.

   

  1. The nursery cook will ensure all meals and snacks meet each child’s allergen requirements as per their individual risk assessments.
  2. A member of management will confirm with the cook (visually or verbally, where appropriate) that each child’s allergen requirements as per the allergen overview.
  3. When the room head (or most senior staff member in their absence) collects the food from the kitchen, they perform a 3^rd check (visually or verbally, where appropriate) that each child’s allergen requirements as per the allergen overview.

   

  This consistent approach builds a culture where checking, confirming and communicating are second nature.

   

  Staff Knowledge and Confidence
  Staff complete Food Hygiene Level 2 aswell as specific Allergy Awareness training as part of their professional development. This supports them to recognise, prevent and respond to allergies confidently, and to create safe, inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Regular team discussions and refreshers help ensure that staff remain confident in recognising early symptoms and in following emergency procedures, including administering prescribed medication where required.

   

  Working in Partnership
  Families know their child best, and we value their expertise. We work closely with parents and, where relevant, health professionals to create Individual Health Care Plans (IHCPs) and, where needed, BSACI Allergy Action Plans. These set out each child’s symptoms, triggers and the actions staff should take in an emergency. Plans are shared with all relevant staff, stored safely in each room and reviewed termly or sooner after any incident.

   

  Regular discussions with parents help us stay informed about their child’s confidence with food, progress on allergy management or changes in tolerance. We also plan carefully for transitions, such as moving rooms or starting school, to ensure every child continues to be supported safely and confidently.

   

   

  Responding to Allergic Reactions

  If a child shows any sign of an allergic reaction, staff act quickly, calmly and in line with their training and the child’s Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP), risk assessment or Allergy Action Plan if they have one. Every step prioritises the child’s safety, comfort and dignity.

   

  Recognising Symptoms
  Staff are trained to recognise early signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

  • Flushing or rash.
  • Swelling of the face, lips or eyes.
  • Coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
  • Sudden tiredness, distress or vomiting after eating.

   

  Immediate Response
  The supervising practitioner alerts the Room Head or Deputy and follows the child’s care plan while keeping them calm and closely observed.

  • For mild reactions (eg. a rash or mild swelling), prescribed medication such as an antihistamine may be given, following the Medication Policy. Parents are informed promptly.
  • If symptoms suggest anaphylaxis, staff use the child’s prescribed adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) immediately and call 999, stating that a child is experiencing anaphylaxis. The Manager or senior staff member meets emergency services and contacts parents at once. An adult stays with the child until a parent or carer arrives.

   

  After an Incident
  All reactions, however mild, are recorded on Famly and in the incident log with details of symptoms, actions taken and any medical advice received. The Nursery Manager reviews each incident with staff and parents to confirm procedures were followed and to identify any improvements needed. IHCPs or Action Plans are updated immediately. Staff involved are offered debrief and support, and key learning is shared at team meetings or supervision to strengthen practice across the setting.

  Younger Children’s Nutrition

  We recognise that younger children have individual feeding needs. Our role is to support each child’s development sensitively and in close partnership with their parents and carers, ensuring that every child receives food and drink appropriate to their age, stage and ability. Our practice reflects current Scottish guidance which recognises that food and drink for young children should meet their nutritional and developmental needs, be prepared safely, and support growing independence.

   

  Working in Partnership with Parents
  Before a child starts with us, staff discuss their feeding routines, milk  preferences, and any early signs of allergies or intolerances as part of their ‘All About Me’ form. 

   

  Preparation and Feeding
  Meals and snacks for children are provided in suitable textures and portion sizes to reduce the risk of choking and support safe swallowing. Foods known to pose higher risks, such as grapes or cherry tomatoes, are always cut lengthways and into small pieces. Staff follow safe cooling and hygiene practices at all times. 

   

  Consistency and Healthy Habits
  We maintain regular communication with parents about feeding progress, appetite and any changes in tolerance or preference. Updates are shared through Tapestry and in daily conversations. As children grow, they are encouraged to explore a variety of healthy foods, try new textures and develop positive attitudes towards eating. Staff use gentle encouragement, never pressure, and respect each child’s signals of hunger and fullness.

   

  Meals and Menus

  All meals are freshly prepared  by D&G Meals, using quality ingredients that support children’s health, growth and development. Our menus rotate every six months, providing a Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter cycle to ensure seasonal variety and balanced nutrition.

   

  Fresh drinking water is available to children at all times and offered regularly throughout the day. Children over 12 months old are encouraged to eat at consistent intervals, with breakfast, a two course lunch, a two course tea and two to three snacks offered daily.

   

  Menus feature a variety of foods, colours, textures and flavours to encourage children to explore new tastes while developing positive attitudes towards healthy eating. Cultural and dietary preferences are respected and reflected in our menu planning. We aim for mealtimes to be relaxed and sociable, supporting children to enjoy food together and develop independence, confidence and self-help skills.

   

  Milk

  From 12 months onwards, children are offered whole (full-fat) cow’s milk as a drink, or an appropriate fortified plant-based alternative for those with allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences.

   

  Milk is served fresh each day, either with meals or at snack times, and is stored and prepared safely in accordance with food hygiene standards. For children with milk allergies or intolerances, all substitutes are checked carefully against the allergy chart and provided in clearly labelled cups to avoid any confusion. We encourage all children to drink milk or water regularly throughout the day to support hydration, growth and oral health.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Monitoring and Review

  The Nursery Manager has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively across the setting. Daily practice is monitored through regular room observations, kitchen checks and staff supervision to ensure that procedures are being followed consistently and that all children’s dietary and allergy needs are fully met.

   

  Menus, allergy charts and Individual Health Care Plans are reviewed regularly and updated as required in partnership with parents, carers and the kitchen team. Any incidents, such as allergic reactions or near misses, are reviewed promptly to identify learning and to make any improvements needed.

   

  This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to guidance, legislation, or nursery procedures. Updates are shared with all staff, and any necessary training or briefing is provided to maintain safe and consistent practice.

   

Policy Created August 2025 - S.Sneddon

Reviewed: July 2026 S.Sneddon