🥗Packed Lunch Guidance

When getting your child ready for nursery, it is important to ensure the lunch you pack for them is healthy and nutritious, but also something they will enjoy so they stay full of energy for our fun days of adventures. There are a number of useful resources out there to give you ideas and suggestions for what you can include in their lunches, but here are some top tips to get you started.


Make it filling

Your child’s lunch should be based on some form of carbohydrate. This could be bread, rice, pasta, etc. This will give them lots of on-going energy rather than a sudden burst of energy from too much sugar. Why not add different types of salad into your child’s sandwich to see what they enjoy more. 


Consider the weather

Your child’s lunch, and more importantly the temperature of it, will be dependant on the current weather. In colder months, we would suggest packing something warm to keep them cosy through the day. This could be pasta or soup for example. Unfortunately we don’t have the facilities to warm up lunches however you can get some really good food flasks that will keep the contents warm until lunchtime. You don’t have to spend lots to get a decent one, these flasks from ASDA are only £7 and work really well.


During summer months, you may want to consider a cold lunch such as a sandwich, salad, or cold pasta. To keep things cold, get an insulated lunch bag and an ice block. This will also help keep drinks cold for lunchtime. 


Treats

We all enjoy having a treat at lunchtime and this is okay in moderation. There is nothing wrong with the occasional biscuit, packet of crisps or chocolate bar, but this should be small and will be kept until the end of your child’s lunch. If you can, look at getting some healthier snacks such as raisins or fruit bars, etc. It is also good to include some fruit in your child’s lunchbox for them to have.


Packaging

Although we are always available to help open packets and containers, we like to encourage the children’s independence and will always ask them to try first. Think about packets or containers that are easier to open. 


Cutlery

We always have cutlery available in the nursery which the children are welcome to use during lunchtime. If you prefer to pack your own, this may help your child feel more comfortable with their lunch but we won’t be able to clean these before they go home.


Drinks

It is important to stay hydrated and we will always encourage the children to drink water throughout the day or milk in the morning. We ask that your child come to nursery with a water bottle which contains water only and this will be used through the day. If you wish to pack a bottle of made up diluting juice or fruit juice for lunch time, that is okay and should be packed in their lunchbox. This should be limited to one bottle and we ask that no fizzy juice is packed. 


Further Reading

If you would like to read more about suggested packed lunches, or you are looking for ideas, the following links have some further guidance

NDNA

NHS

Food For Life

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