Food and Nutrition at St. Gabriel’s Pre-school, what we all need to know

Everyday Healthy Eating

We support children to eat a balanced diet

1.Fruit and Veg (carrot sticks, berries, apple slices)

2.Starchy Foods (bread, rice, pasta, crackers, wraps)

3.Protein (chicken, eggs, beans, lentils)

4.Dairy/Alternatives (yoghurt, milk, thin cheese slices, fortified soya/oat yoghurt)

Drinks (water or milk ONLY)

Snacks (we provide healthy snacks (fruit, veg, toast, milk water)

Packed Lunches

# Please include food from the four groups above.

Avoid sending in Sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, squash, crisps, processed meats, salty snacks,

Avoid choking risks (whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, popcorn, whole nuts)

If we have concerns about a lunchbox, we will always discuss this privately with you, never to the child.

Birthdays and Celebrations

We celebrate birthdays with songs, games and fun activities. To support healthy eating we ask families not to send in cakes, sweets, or party bags. Instead families are welcome to bring:A story book to share, stickers or bubbles, a favourite song to share.We also celebrate and respect cultural food traditions, where safe and appropriate.

Allergies and special diets

Please call us about special diets or dietary needs. We display allergy info for staff and keep food prep areas safe. Staff are trained to manage all allergies safely

Our Promise

Mealtimes are calm, social and enjoyable. We never pressurise the children to eat. We never comment negatively on food in front of the children. We aim to build healthy habits for life.

Together, we can give children the best start with food, health, and happy mealtimes.