Food & Nutrition
Flourish & Nourish - our commitment to healthy eating
Our Food Philosophy
At Sheen Montessori Nursery School, we believe that good nutrition is fundamental to children's development, energy, and wellbeing. Children bring a packed lunch from home each day, giving families complete control over what their child eats and ensuring meals meet individual preferences and dietary requirements. Snacks are provided by the nursery and are always fresh, healthy, and nut-free.
Packed Lunches from Home
Parents provide lunch each day, ensuring meals suit their child's tastes, preferences, and dietary needs perfectly.
Strictly Nut-Free Environment
Our entire setting is completely nut-free to ensure the safety of all children with nut allergies. No peanuts, tree nuts, or nut products allowed.
Healthy Nursery Snacks
Fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, yoghurt, and milk provided by the nursery. All snacks are nutritious, age-appropriate, and nut-free.
Mealtimes as Learning
Eating together is a social learning experience. Children practise table manners, conversation, independence, and develop healthy relationships with food.
Daily Schedule
Throughout the term-time day, children have opportunities to eat and drink:
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Arrival & Settling In | Water and milk available upon arrival |
| 11:00am | Morning Snack | Fresh fruit, vegetables, crackers, water, and milk |
| 12:15pm | Lunch - Packed from Home | Children eat their packed lunch brought from home with staff support |
| 3:30pm | Afternoon Snack | Fresh fruit, vegetables, and light snacks for wrap-around children |
Packed Lunch Guidelines
To support healthy development and our nut-free policy, we ask parents to pack nutritious lunches following these guidelines:
- Main course: A protein (sandwich, pasta, chicken, egg) plus vegetables or salad
- Fresh fruit or yoghurt: For natural energy and calcium
- Water bottle: Essential for hydration throughout the day
- NO nuts: Absolutely no peanuts, tree nuts, or foods containing nuts or nut oils
- Keep it cool: Use an insulated lunch box with an ice pack or freezer block
- Label everything: All containers and utensils should have your child's name
Allergy & Dietary Requirements
We take all allergies and dietary requirements very seriously. During registration, we document:
- All food allergies and intolerances
- Religious or cultural dietary needs
- Medical dietary requirements
- Food preferences and dislikes
Our staff are trained in allergy awareness and anaphylaxis. We maintain detailed records and ensure all team members are informed about each child's individual requirements. Parents should discuss any concerns with the nursery team during their child's settling period.
Our Nursery-Provided Snacks
All snacks provided by Sheen Montessori are:
- Completely nut-free - no exceptions
- Fresh and healthy - fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, crackers
- Organic when possible - supporting quality and sustainability
- Age-appropriate - cut safely for younger children
- Inclusive - mindful of allergies and dietary requirements
Learning About Food
Mealtimes are also learning opportunities. Children sit together in small groups, practising table manners, conversation, and independence. Cooking activities help children understand where food comes from and develop healthy attitudes to eating.