Exploring the Benefits of Mealtimes at Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools
At Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools, mealtimes are a meaningful part of the daily routine – supporting not only children’s nutritional needs, but also their independence, social skills, and overall development.
The benefits of mealtimes go far beyond simply serving food. Children across our settings actively take part in the entire mealtime process – from self-serving meals and pouring drinks to handing out plates and washing up. These practical experiences help build life skills, confidence, and a sense of routine and responsibility.
Working closely with expert nutritionists and dietitians, we ensure our menus meet the highest standards to support children’s health and well-being. Our nursery has proudly been awarded the Quality Mark by the Early Years Alliance, recognising our commitment to excellent nutrition practices and our role in supporting children’s long-term health outcomes.
Our trained nursery cooks and chefs prepare fresh, nutritionally balanced meals and snacks every day using seasonal ingredients, all served as part of a rotating four-weekly menu. Fresh drinking water and milk are always available, and dietary requirements, allergies, and preferences are carefully accounted for. We also offer a weaning menu, developed in consultation with families, to support babies as they transition to solid food.
The benefits of mealtimes also tie into our “Where Children Shine” curriculum. Our Let’s Cook! Programme encourages children to explore food through hands-on experiences, including preparing and cooking simple dishes using healthy ingredients. Research shows that when children are involved in food preparation, they are more likely to try and enjoy nutritious meals.
Additionally, our Let’s Grow! Programme provides opportunities for children to sow, tend, and harvest their own produce. This not only supports an appreciation for the environment and sustainability but deepens their understanding of where food comes from—reinforcing healthy eating habits and environmental awareness.
Children are empowered to serve themselves during snack and mealtimes and are encouraged to clean their own plates at our low-level sinks. These routines, supported by attentive staff, promote communication and social development as children share conversations and take responsibility for their environment.
Our nursery kitchens are inspected regularly by Environmental Health departments to ensure food safety compliance, and all staff involved in food preparation have achieved a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
At Happy Days, the benefits of mealtimes are fully integrated into everyday learning—developing healthy bodies, confident minds, and thoughtful habits for life.
Photos taken at Happy Days Nursery, Verwood
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