Little Acorns

Our menus run on a three-week cycle. Seasonal changes are made termly. We email menus to all parents and will also display current menus in our front window. Parents will be notified of any menu changes (e.g. Christmas week or other special events). We cater for any dietary requirements your child may have.

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Healthy eating is an important part of our philosophy. We aim to promote healthy eating by ensuring that the meals and snacks we provide are nutritious, balanced and tasty, and that they meet nutritional needs for optimal early years development. We were the first provider in the North East to be accredited by the Early Years Nutrition Partnership, a government initiative to tackle childhood obesity from early childhood. As part of our membership of this scheme, all of our staff received specialist training in child nutrition and healthy eating. We have appointed a Nutrition Lead who ensures that our menus conform to the Early Years Nutrition Partnership guidelines. A nutritionist worked with us to ensure that our menu delivers recommended daily intakes of nutrients to our children.

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Older children additionally learn about the benefits of healthy eating by being involved in meal preparation. We have a bread rota, and children have the opportunity to eat bread they have made themselves as part of our menus each week. 

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Integrated into a wider programme of learning which aims to introduce children to different cultures, meals from a variety of different cuisines will be provided. Multicultural events (e.g. Chinese New Year, Independence Day, Mardi Gras, Australia Day) will be celebrated via the meals we provide.

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Of course we are committed to meeting any dietary requirements or food preferences which your child may have. We can support you in weaning your baby and are happy to blend/puree foods as required. Please inform us if your child has any food allergies, so we can take these into account when preparing food.

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Children have access to water all day. They will also be offered one drink of milk at afternoon snack time or before their nap (if they have a nap). Sugary drinks, such as fizzy drinks and juice with added sugar will never be provided.