2 December 2024

At Scallywags, we believe that snack and mealtimes are much more than just a routine—they are valuable opportunities for children to learn, socialise, and enjoy. With our recent 5-star food hygiene rating, we’re proud to share how we create a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable environment for children to develop healthy eating habits.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹

We view every meal and snack time as an opportunity to teach and connect. Children sit together in a friendly and social setting, learning to self-feed and develop independence, supported by staff who ensure these moments are positive and stress-free. Meals are carefully tailored to meet each child’s developmental stage, encouraging exploration of new flavours and textures at their own pace.

Parents and staff work together to create dietary plans for each child, ensuring that meals are both nutritious and enjoyable. Whether it’s a child with allergies, specific cultural or dietary needs, or simply a preference for certain foods, we accommodate all requirements to make mealtimes inclusive and happy occasions.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Our daily menus, provided by Zebedee’s and designed by Charlotte Stirling-Reed, emphasise fresh, nutritious ingredients, featuring plenty of fruits and vegetables. From introducing foods from various cultural backgrounds to offering familiar and vegetarian options, our menus are designed to encourage healthy eating habits while exposing children to a wide range of flavours.

Children are also gently encouraged to eat well, but we never force-feed. Instead, our Nursery in a Box Care diary keeps track of what each child eats and how much, helping us maintain a clear understanding of their dietary intake.

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁

Food safety is a cornerstone of our practices. From sourcing food from reputable suppliers to maintaining meticulous hygiene standards, we ensure that every meal is prepared in a safe environment.

• Storage: We check freezer and fridge temperatures daily, ensuring they stay within the correct range.
• Preparation: Food is cooked to appropriate temperatures, surfaces are cleaned before and after use, and utensils are sanitised regularly.
• Waste Management: Food waste is disposed of daily to maintain cleanliness and prevent pests.

Our commitment to hygiene is reflected in our 5-star rating, but the real measure of success is the happy, smiling faces of our children during mealtimes.

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

Managing allergies is a top priority at Scallywags. With detailed Allergy Action Plans, comprehensive staff training, and strict protocols, we ensure that all child’s dietary restrictions are respected. Parents are kept informed every step of the way, giving them confidence that their child is in safe hands.

For children with allergies, their dietary information is prominently displayed in rooms and the kitchen, so all staff are aware. Even on trips outside the setting, we carry Allergy Action Plans and any necessary medications to ensure their safety.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆

From the moment a child joins Scallywags, we work closely with parents to ensure that their preferences for weaning, dietary requirements, and feeding routines are respected. Regular communication ensures that our practices remain aligned with each family’s needs.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Mealtimes at Scallywags are about much more than food. They are moments for children to develop key social skills, learn independence, and build a foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

As we celebrate our 5-star food hygiene rating, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards for nutrition, safety, and care. Every child deserves a safe, happy, and healthy start to life, and at Scallywags, that’s exactly what we deliver.

We’re proud of the trust families place in us and will continue to provide the nurturing environment that makes Scallywags a home away from home.

Blog written by Demi Eastment