Shannon ChildCare provide two proper hot meals a day; Lunch and dinner, including breakfast and two healthy snacks; 10am and 2.30pm. We offer fresh filtered water and full-fat milk, including other alternatives included in the nursery fees. Our menus are made up of pescatarian and vegetarian food and our chef prepares each meal using fresh vegetables and fruit.

We are delighted to share that we have a 5 Star Hygiene rating from the Environmental Health. Shannon ChildCare understands the importance of providing healthy, well-balanced and interesting meals, which have been approved by a Professional Nutritionist.

Mealtimes are a social occasion whereby all our children sit together. We actively encourage our children to explore different food textures and tastes, whilst developing their ability to use cutlery. Our children (toddlers included) relish in prepping and cooking food. We encourage their knowledge and understanding of different food sources, including cultures.

We promote good table manners and independence, teaching our children ‘Life Skills’, washing hands, setting the table, serving themselves food, clearing the table and learning how to pour liquids into drinking cups. Our babies are supported at food time with the aim of teaching them self-sufficiency. A member of staff sits and eats with our children.

Ensuring a variety of delicious ingredients means that our children really enjoy and look forward to their mealtimes; they usually request seconds and many parents ask us for our recipes!

Our weekly menus are detailed and flagged with any allergens and these are sent in advance via our Famly App.

We pride ourselves on creating tasty, interesting menus, below are a few of the ingredients we use within our meal plans:

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, mixed-berries, satsumas, watermelon, variety of melons, mangos, pears, peaches, rhubarb, lemons, lime, dates, sorbets.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, green beans, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, leeks, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, onions; red & white, parsnips, butternut squash, courgettes, mushrooms, aubergines, cucumbers, sweet corn, sweet peppers, kale, spinach, gem lettuces & avocados.
• Grains: Quinoa, barley, buckwheat, rice, corn, oats, granola.
• Pasta: Wheat including various groups: Spaghetti, bow shape, fettuccine, fusilli, lasagne, tagliatelle, macaroni, vermicelli, couscous, egg noodles.
• Legumes: Lentils, all bean groups, soybeans, green peas, chickpeas.
• Healthy fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, vegetable oils, avocados.
• Proteins: A variety of fish, Tofu, Quorn, eggs, dairy products; various cheese and yoghurts.
• Diary: Full fat milk, cheddar, mozzarella, feta, mozzarella, cottage cheese, single cream, yogurt, ice cream.

We do not use sugar or salt within our dishes; any stock added is with reduced salt. We use margarine rather than butter, this aides any lactose intolerances. Please note no nut products are allowed at our nurseries, however we cannot guarantee freedom from nut traces. Additionally, there may be times that certain foods would be excluded based on other children’s allergies following a risk assessment.

Shannon ChildCare adhere to our parents’ requests and find alternatives for food allergies, intolerances or religious requirements. We require a doctor’s or dietician’s letter to confirm any special dietary conditions.

Shannon ChildCare run a Food Theme on a regular basis, for our children. During this week we talk about well-being, the benefits of exercise and healthy eating; the Eatwell Plate, our 5 senses. We discuss foods around the world, colours and tastes and our pre-schoolers create role play scenarios around food.

We are proud to have been part of the Healthy Early Years London (HEYL) First Steps and have achieved Bronze & Silver Awards from the Mayor of London