Healthy eating means healthy minds

Healthy Eating at Inn Farm

We believe that nutritious food, positive mealtime experiences and an early understanding of healthy choices all contribute to children’s wellbeing and development.

Our nursery kitchen has been rated five stars by Bedford Borough Council. Meals and snacks are prepared with care by our dedicated chef, and we are committed to providing children with a varied, nutritious and balanced diet that supports their individual needs.

Our Nursery Menu

Our menus offer a variety of tastes, colours and textures, giving children opportunities to enjoy familiar favourites while gradually discovering new foods.

Breakfast is available to children who arrive by 8.30am. A selection of cereals is offered, including Weetabix, Cornflakes and rice crispy cereal, followed by wholemeal toast if the children would like it.

Healthy snacks are provided during the morning and afternoon. These include a varied selection of fresh fruit and vegetable sticks. Fresh fruit and yoghurt are also available as alternatives.

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day, and milk is offered at appropriate times. We also provide a dedicated weaning menu for babies, with foods and textures adapted to suit their individual stage of development.

Our rotating menus are displayed in the nursery reception areas so that families can see what their child will be eating as well as each meal being recorded on the Famly app. Examples of our menus can also be viewed below.

Happy and Sociable Mealtimes

Mealtimes at Inn Farm are relaxed, happy and sociable occasions. Children sit together with their friends and are supported by our practitioners as they develop confidence, independence and positive eating habits.

Children are encouraged to try different foods but are never pressured to eat. We respect individual appetites and preferences while gently introducing a varied range of tastes and textures.

Mealtimes also provide valuable learning opportunities. Children practise age-appropriate skills such as using cutlery, pouring drinks, making choices and helping with simple routines. They also learn about good manners, taking turns and enjoying conversation around the table.

Dietary Requirements and Allergies

We work closely with parents and carers to understand and meet each child’s individual dietary needs. This may include:

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Medical dietary requirements

• Religious or cultural requirements

• Vegetarian or other agreed dietary preferences

• Individual weaning needs

Families are asked to provide full and up-to-date information before their child starts nursery and to let us know promptly if anything changes.

All dietary requirements are clearly recorded and shared with the relevant nursery and kitchen staff. Suitable alternatives are provided wherever required, and our team follows established procedures when preparing and serving food to children with allergies.

All of our staff have their Level 2 Food Hygiene Certification.

Parents and carers are always welcome to speak with us about ingredients, menus or any concerns relating to their child’s diet.

Learning About Healthy Choices

Healthy eating is explored naturally through our curriculum and everyday nursery experiences. Activities are adapted to suit the children’s ages, interests and stages of development.

Children may take part in activities such as:

• Sorting and naming different fruits and vegetables

• Exploring food through colour, smell, taste and texture

• Learning where food comes from and how it grows

• Talking about foods that help our bodies grow and stay healthy

• Creating fruit kebabs, sandwiches or simple healthy snacks

• Sharing stories, songs and role-play activities linked to food

• Growing herbs, fruit or vegetables and observing how they change

• Exploring healthy choices through matching, counting and creative activities

These experiences help children develop curiosity and confidence around food while supporting communication, mathematics, physical development and understanding of the world.

Baking and Cooking Activities

Baking and cooking are enjoyable, hands-on ways for children to learn. With careful supervision, children can help to measure, pour, mix, roll, spread and decorate using age-appropriate ingredients and equipment.

Cooking activities introduce children to new vocabulary and encourage them to follow instructions, take turns and work together. Measuring and counting support early mathematical skills, while stirring, pouring and shaping help develop coordination and fine motor control.

Most importantly, children experience the pride and enjoyment of helping to make something themselves. Dietary requirements are considered when planning these activities so that children can be included wherever possible.

Healthy-Eating Displays

Our display boards help bring the children’s learning to life and encourage conversations about food, health and wellbeing.

Displays may feature children’s artwork, photographs of cooking activities, favourite recipes, growing projects or information about different foods. They provide an opportunity for children to revisit what they have learned and share their experiences with their families.

By connecting nutritious meals with play, conversation and practical activities, we aim to help every child build a happy and positive relationship with food from an early age.

• Lunch Menu   -