Packed Lunch Policy

• Packed lunches should be healthy and balanced, including a mix of fruit, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates.
• Foods should be easy to eat and age-appropriate. Avoid items that are hard to chew or swallow.
• All packed lunches must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
• Parents must inform the nursery of any allergies so that staff can ensure safe seating and avoid cross-contamination.

• Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, olives, and similar small fruits lengthways into quarters.
• Slice sausages and hot dogs lengthways before cutting into small pieces.
• Avoid popcorn, whole nuts, hard boiled sweets, and other small hard foods.
• Remove hard fruit stones (e.g., peaches, cherries) before packing.
• Avoid hair beads, coins, or small toys in lunch bags as they can pose a choking risk if played with at the table.

• No nuts or nut products (including peanut butter, Nutella, cereal bars with nuts, etc.).
• Avoid items that contain sesame seeds or shellfish unless confirmed safe for all children in the group.
• Check food labels for allergy warnings.
• Store chilled items with an ice pack in the lunchbox to keep them fresh until lunchtime.

• The nursery cannot heat food due to food safety and operational reasons.
• If you wish to send hot food, use a child-safe insulated food flask that can keep food warm until lunch.
• Heat food thoroughly at home before placing it in the flask.
• Do not send food that requires refrigeration followed by reheating.

• Only water or milk is permitted.
• No fizzy drinks, energy drinks, or drinks high in sugar.
• If sending juice, it must be diluted 50/50 with water and served in a leak-proof cup or bottle.

• Sweets, chocolate bars, or confectionery (small treat-sized portions only on special occasions).
• Fizzy or high-sugar drinks.
• Foods that require reheating.
• Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, or sausages without being cut.
• Foods that have been stored at unsafe temperatures.

Avoid excessive packaging and opt for reusable containers where possible.
Provide cutlery if needed (plastic or child-safe metal).
We operate a no sharing policy at mealtimes to protect children with allergies.