Ofsted and nursery food

[puffling]

Does anyone know if there are basic standards or OFSTED requirements for food in nurseries. We chose our nusery because it promised freshly prepared food and as far as we know our little girl who's being weaned, is being given fresh veg. However, the older babies get, hot dog rolls, crumpets, swiss roll etc. for their tea, no fruit or yoghurt.(I haven't seen what they get for their lunch.) Also, I previously posted a thread about seeing loads of coke in the kitchen. Being cowardly, I don't want to ask them about it yet, I'm just curious to know if there are foods they are required to offer, or if they are free to offer what they choose.
Dawnx

Hi There,

I help out at my daughters pre-school, and am on the committee - we got a glowing offstead report this year. But one thing I was told when she started was that following guidleines (I dont know who's) they now only get offered milk or water to drink - no squash. The most unhealthy snack they have is crisps, otherwise it's fresh fruit and veg, popcorn, raisins, breadstick. There is squash and coke in the kitchen, the squash is for the afterschool children - all alot older, and the coke s for the staff and voluteer parents who need a pep-up. I realise this is'nt a direct answer for you and would recommend you ask the nursery directly or contact offstead and then ask directly when you are armed with the infomration.

Good luck

my dd's nursery published the 4 weekly rotation of menus at her nursery. we cross of what we don't want her to have. she also has a daily planner that tells what her activities that day was, her meals and how much she ate, sleep and potty. there is also a section for any message from home. nothing detailed is written in, just notes and over a period of time, you get a fuller picture of her days.

write and complain. Any written complaint to a nursery must be publicised to prospective parents and OFSTED also see a copy.

I informally complained about 2 things in DS's nursery. I felt very embarassed, but nursery were brill. They said they actively encourage comments from parents as it's better for them than have OFSTED make it official.

there are not supposed to be any processed potato products. eg waffles, fritters
apart from that there should be a balanced menu

why dont you hand in some recipie ideas, they might appreciate it, we wish our parents took more interest in our menus (but hey maybe they are excellent as they are)
we provid home cooked (by our cook on site) shepherds pie, lasagne, sausage casserole,

staff eat with children, so must be good.
we also have fruit at 10 am at lunch at 2pm

im with highlander,write to them and complain.di it annonimously if you feel the need. i worked in a certain large chain of nurseries(wont mention the name,dont fancy getting sued!!) who gave the babies smash every single day i was there,it was always mixed with some kind of veg and called potato and carrot pie or cheese and potato pie etc.... i was totally appalled!!

Organix and the soil association are running Nursery food awards, If your child's nursery is providing good food get them to enter, you just need to go to:www.organix.com/Content/Nursery-Food-Awards