Food safety and nutrition policy

Alongside associated procedures in 03.1–03.6 Food safety and nutrition, this policy was adopted by Gan Kinneret Nursery Limited on 29th September 2025.

Aim

Gan Kinneret Nursery Limited is a suitable, clean and safe place for children to be cared for, where they can grow and learn. We meet all statutory requirements for food safety and fulfil the criteria for the relevant EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements.

Objectives

We recognise our corporate responsibility and duty of care for those who work in and receive a service from Gan Kinneret Nursery Limited. Individual employees and service users also have responsibility for ensuring their own safety as well as that of others.
Risk assessment is the key means through which this is achieved.
Procedure 01.3 Kitchen is followed for general hygiene and safety in food preparation areas.
We provide nutritionally sound meals and snacks which promote health and reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease that may begin in childhood.
Children are supervised at mealtimes and are within sight and hearing of a member of staff at all times. Wherever possible staff sit facing children when eating to:
- ensure children are eating in a way that prevents choking,
- prevent food sharing, and
- be aware of any unexpected allergic reactions.
We follow current advice on dietary guidelines and the legal requirements for identifying food allergens when planning menus, based on the four food groups:
- Meat, fish and protein alternatives
- Milk and dairy products
- Cereals and grains
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
Following dietary guidelines to promote health also means taking account of guidelines to reduce the risk of disease caused by unhealthy eating.
Parents/carers share information about their children’s particular dietary needs and allergies when they enrol and on an ongoing basis with their key person. This information is shared with all staff involved in the care of the child.
We take account of each child’s individual developmental needs and work in partnership with parents/carers to support weaning and progression through textures and types of food.
We ensure that all staff are aware of the symptoms and treatments for allergies and anaphylaxis, and the differences between allergies and intolerances which may develop at any time.
Foods provided by the setting have any allergenic ingredients clearly identified on menus.
Care is taken to ensure that children with food allergies or intolerances do not have contact with food products to which they are allergic.
We notify Ofsted or the childminder agency (if applicable) of any food poisoning affecting two or more children in our care as soon as possible and within 14 days.
Risk assessments are conducted for each individual child who has a food allergy or specific dietary requirement.
If a child chokes at mealtime and intervention is given, details of the incident are recorded and parents/carers are informed.

Legal references

Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs
Food Information Regulations 2014
The Childcare Act 2006