Policy Created: 26th August 2025
Reviewed: Annually, or sooner if guidance or practice changes

At Cheeky Minds, children’s safety and wellbeing during mealtimes are paramount. This policy sets out how we provide safe, healthy and nutritious food, prevent risks such as choking or allergic reactions, and encourage positive eating habits in line with the EYFS statutory framework and Ofsted requirements.

This policy supports the safety, wellbeing, and development of all children in my care by ensuring a robust approach to health, safety, eating, and emergency preparedness.

Safer Eating & Nutrition

• A trained paediatric first aider must be present during all meals and snacks.

• Detailed information on dietary needs, allergies, and intolerances will be collected before a child starts.

• Individual Healthcare Plans will be maintained and accessible.

• Staff must be clear on who is responsible for checking that food meets each child's requirements.

• Staff will be trained to recognise allergies vs. intolerances and respond to emergencies.

• EYFS Nutrition Guidance will be followed unless a valid reason not to.
  
  

Safe Eating Procedures

• Children will be seated safely and supervised within sight and hearing.

• Any choking or food-related incident will be documented and reviewed. High-risk choking foods (e.g. whole grapes, popcorn, whole nuts, large chunks of raw carrot) will not be served.

• Food will be cut into safe sizes according to age and stage of development.

• Children will be encouraged to eat slowly and not talk with their mouths full.

• Any incident involving choking, allergic reaction, or illness during eating will be recorded and reported to parents.

Responsibilities

• The registered childminder/manager is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of this policy.

• All staff must follow this policy and complete relevant training.

• A Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualified person will be present during every meal/snack time.

• Parents are expected to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding their child’s dietary needs.

Allergies and Dietary Requirements

• Parents must complete a Health and Allergy Form before a child starts.

• Individual Health Care Plans (IHCPs) will be drawn up for children with severe allergies.

• Clear records of allergies/intolerances will be kept and shared with staff on a “need-to-know” basis.

• Staff will check all food before serving to ensure it meets the child’s needs.

• No food will be shared between children.

Nutrition Standards

• We follow EYFS guidance on children’s nutrition.

• Meals and snacks will be balanced and include fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy carbohydrates.

• Sugary or highly processed foods and fizzy drinks will not be provided.

• Children will always have access to drinking water; milk may also be offered.

Hygiene and Food Safety

• All staff and children must wash hands before and after handling food.

• Tables and utensils will be cleaned before and after meals.

• Food will be prepared, stored and served according to food hygiene and safety standards.

• The setting will comply with local environmental health requirements.

Staff Training

• All staff will receive training in:

• Paediatric first aid (including choking response).

• Allergy awareness and management.

First Aid & Training

• A valid Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate must be held by anyone included in adult-to-child ratios.

• At least one qualified first aider will always be present, including during mealtimes.

Health & Safety Procedures

• Regular risk assessments will be conducted for the premises, indoors and outdoors.

• Emergency procedures will cover fires, medical emergencies, lockdowns, extreme weather, utility failures, and intruders.

• Procedures will be documented, practiced, and available to staff and parents.

• During intimate care, children’s privacy and dignity will be upheld while maintaining supervision.

Communication & Implementation

• This policy will be shared with staff, assistants, and household members.

• Explained to parents during induction.

• Practiced regularly (e.g., evacuation drills, mealtime protocols).

• Staff will receive refresher training as needed.

• Reviewed at least once a year or sooner after any incident/regulation change.