Snacks and Water

To promote children’s physical health and emotional wellbeing, we help the children to develop an understanding of how to be healthy by promoting the development of good eating and drinking habits.  We should all aim to enjoy a balanced diet, which includes plenty of water and fruit, alongside a variety of nutritionally healthy meals. 

Eating breakfast and/or lunch before coming to nursery is essential, and we urge all families to ensure their children have a suitable meal before coming to school so that they have the energy they need to be fully engaged and make the most of every learning opportunity. 

Throughout their day, the children have access to fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated and alert for learning.  Your child will need to bring their own named Hillcross water bottle (see school uniform page) to school each day.   We also have a ‘Self-service Café’ which has a fridge where children can get a carton of milk and choose a piece of  fruit.  

Good hygiene habits are encouraged through formal direction and informal encouragement.  The children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly. 

Fruit	Fresh fruit is provided free of charge to all children under seven years old by the government. Fruit options include; apples, satsumas, pears, tomatoes, bananas, raisins and carrots. All fruit is washed, but we do not peel or chop the fruit.  Children are encouraged to eat at least one piece of fruit a day from the self-service café. Please do not bring any other snacks to school.
Water	The children have access to their water bottles throughout the day.  In warm weather, we encourage children to stay hydrated. We do not allow juice in their water bottles. However, a separate drink can be provided in their lunchbox to drink at lunchtime. EYFS staff will refill the water bottles across the day as required.
Milk	The 1st January 2016 marked the first anniversary of the new School Food Standards. As part of the standards, there is legislation that stipulates that all children in primary school education must be provided with the option of lower fat drinking milk during school hours.  Therefore, all children under five are entitled to free school milk and the government provides this to schools without the need for you to register. Once your child is five, their entitlement to free school milk stops. However, you may continue to buy school milk for your child whilst they are in our reception class by registering at http://www.coolmilk.com/.  Children will be encouraged to drink milk, but we do not keep a daily record of who has drunk their milk.

If your child has any allergies or dietary needs, it is vitally important that we know about these immediately and in advance of your child starting with us in order to ensure they are kept safe at school. When we carry out cooking sessions or have food tasting opportunities, we will liaise with families where we are aware of allergies. Therefore, it is extremely important that any allergies are highlighted to school as soon as they are known.

Celebrations

In line with our inclusive practise, we ask that no homemade or shop-bought treats or sweets are sent in for any celebrations, including birthdays. An alternative option is to bring something into school that all children can enjoy in school, such as felt pens, creative materials, a game or a book to share.