Healthy Eating

At Cairndow Community Childcare, we believe that healthy eating in the early years helps set the foundation for lifelong good habits.

Mealtimes are an important part of our daily routine - a time to nourish growing bodies, encourage independence and enjoy social interaction around the table.

We see mealtimes as a valuable learning opportunity. Children are encouraged to help with setting the table and serving their own food to help build independence and confidence.

At meal times we develop social skills by eating together, practising good manners while talking about food, different colours, textures and tastes. We use supporting language and sensory development.

Our Commitment

We work closely with families to accommodate allergies, cultural preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every child feels included and cared for. Our menus are reviewed regularly in line with the Setting the Table guidance to make sure we are always offering healthy, balanced options that children love.

At Cairndow Community Childcare, we're proud to make food healthy, fun, inclusive and part of everyday life - helping little learners build big, healthy habits for the future!

Following Guidance

We follow 'Setting the Table' nutritional guidance for early years settings in Scotland, which helps us ensure that every meal and snack we serve is balanced, nutritious and age appropriate.

This means -

- offering a variety of fruits and vegetables every day

- providing wholegrains and starchy foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes to give children plenty of energy

- including protein-rich foods like chicken, beans, fish or eggs to help with growth and development

- encouraging milk and water as main drinks throughout the day

- limiting foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat