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      • Denmead
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      • Eastleigh
      • Alton
    • Why Choose Us
      • Our Premium Package
      • Funded Childcare
      • Thoughtful Food Programme
      • Movement & Mindfulness
      • Earth Explorers
      • Makaton
      • Children with SEN
      • Room Aesthetics
      • Safety and Security
      • Communication
      • Policies & Procedures
      • Events
    • Enrol
    • About
      • Our Story
      • Our Values
      • Leadership Team
      • Careers
      • Flex Force
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    • Contact
    • Family Hub
      • Wootey, Alton Family Page
      • Denmead Family Page
      • BSM Family Page
      • Eastleigh Family Page
      • Basingstoke Family Page
First Friends Day Nursery
  • Home
  • Nurseries
    • Denmead
    • Basingstoke
    • Barford St Martin
    • Eastleigh
    • Alton
  • Why Choose Us
    • Our Premium Package
    • Funded Childcare
    • Thoughtful Food Programme
    • Movement & Mindfulness
    • Earth Explorers
    • Makaton
    • Children with SEN
    • Room Aesthetics
    • Safety and Security
    • Communication
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Events
  • Enrol
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Values
    • Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Flex Force
    • News
  • Contact
  • Family Hub
    • Wootey, Alton Family Page
    • Denmead Family Page
    • BSM Family Page
    • Eastleigh Family Page
    • Basingstoke Family Page
Supporting healthy relationships with food

Thoughtful Food Programme

Our food is not only delicious but our menus have been carefully designed with the health and well-being of your children at the heart. 

Photos of our food servings

Our Menus - Spring/Summer 2025 - served from 25 March 2025

Download PDF
Download PDF
Download PDF

Our routine for eating

Morning

Breakfast Bar

8am-9am

Children have the opportunity to freely choose what they wish to have for breakfast. All of our nurseries operate a ‘breakfast bar’ approach from our Thoughtful Food Programme. Cereal selection, fruit and a carbohydrate option available. 

Morning Snack

10am-11am

Our children are offered a variety of different items from our Thoughtful Food Programme. All items are aimed to be balanced and nutritious, giving children the opportunity to explore new foods, tastes and textures to provide them with fuel to learn and play. Children are involved in the preparation of snack too. 

*timings vary from setting to setting. 


Lunch

Lunch time

12 noon

Hot cooked meal is provided from our Thoughtful Food Menus that are on a 3 weekly and seasonal rotation. 


* Lunchtime at our Basingstoke Nursery is packed lunches served at 12.15pm.


Afternoon

Afternoon Snack

2pm

Our children are offered a variety of different items from our Thoughtful Food Programme. All items are aimed to be balanced and nutritious, giving children the opportunity to explore new foods, tastes and textures to provide them with fuel to learn and play. Children are involved in the preparation of snack too. 

*timings vary from setting to setting. 

* Basingstoke do not have afternoon snack due to their session times. 

Tea Time

4pm

Our tea times feature a selection of nutritious, balanced, and delicious options from our carefully crafted nursery menus. They are designed to provide a substantial snack that boosts energy and keeps children satisfied until dinner time.

While our teas are more substantial than a typical snack, some children may still require a light snack when they get home to keep their energy levels steady until their evening meal. 

Our Thoughtful Food Programme explained....

Here's a 2 minute explainer video which highlights key features and benefits of the Thoughtful Food Programme. 

Why are we shouting about our menus? Here's why:

Limited Added Sugar

Promoting Sustainability

Limited Added Sugar

 Our menus are created with this in mind, so you can be sure that your child is not consuming excessive amounts of sugar,  which can be harmful to their health.

Seasonal Produce

Promoting Sustainability

Limited Added Sugar

 We use seasonal produce in our meals where we can.  

As a minimum, we encourage our nurseries to purchase at least one seasonal item each week to be added to our meals, provided alongside or as a snack for our children to taste and try.

Promoting Sustainability

Promoting Sustainability

Promoting Sustainability

Our menus are designed to promote sustainability by using eco-friendly ingredients, reducing food waste whenever possible and reflecting on our carbon footprint from where our shopping is delivered from.

We have introduced food waste buckets and compost bins in our settings, as well as working towards achieving awards in sustainable practices.

Energy to learn & grow

Energy to learn & grow

Promoting Sustainability

Our menus are created to give your child the energy they need to stay active, engaged, and ready to learn. 


Our Nursery chefs and Educators are trained in nutrition to ensure they have the essential knowledge.

Meat Free Days

Energy to learn & grow

Dietary Requirements

Meat-free days introduce

children to a diverse range of food which are rich in essential nutrients, this variety contributes to their overall health by providing vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Research suggests a diet that includes meat-free days can also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions.


Dietary Requirements

Energy to learn & grow

Dietary Requirements

We take the dietary needs of our children seriously. 


We accommodate a diverse range of dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, religious considerations, and individual preferences.


Children help themselves!

At our nursery, we prioritise fostering independence in our little ones, and one way we do this is by encouraging self-serving during mealtime. Here's why:


  • Autonomy and Decision-Making: Allows children to make choices and build decision-making skills.
  • Fine Motor Skills Development: Engages fine motor skills and enhances coordination.
  • Social Skills and Communication: Promotes social interactions, sharing, and effective communication.
  • Culinary Exploration and Food Appreciation: Encourages trying different foods, fostering a positive relationship with nutrition.
  • Responsibility and Pride: Instils a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
  • Preparation for School and Beyond: Transfers acquired skills to various settings for future success.
  • Positive Attitude Towards Nutrition: Actively engaging with meals contributes to a healthier mindset about food.

Be warned, content may make you hungry :-)

Download PDF

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