"Children who grow up eating healthy food love healthy food when they grow up"

At Mucky Pups, we believe that developing healthy eating habits from an early age supports children’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, independence and confidence. We aim to nurture a positive relationship with food, where children feel relaxed, supported and curious to explore new tastes and experiences.
Our approach follows current government guidance on nutrition and safer eating, while recognising that every child and every family is unique. We work in close partnership with parents and carers to ensure children feel safe, confident and happy around food.

“Where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.”
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Mealtimes ​...

At Mucky Pups mealtimes are a calm, social and inclusive part of our day. Children eat together with their peers and familiar adults, with all staff sitting alongside the children to model positive eating habits, encourage conversation and support learning.
Children are actively involved in the mealtime routine and are encouraged to:

• Wash their hands before eating
• Help to set the table
• Pour their own drinks
• Use age-appropriate cutlery

These routines help children develop independence, self-care skills and confidence, while also supporting communication, turn-taking and a strong sense of belonging. After meals, children are supported to clear their plates and tidy away, fostering responsibility and respect for their environment.

Snack Time...

​We provide a morning and afternoon snack each day at no extra charge. Snacks follow healthier eating guidance and include a rotating menu of seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Snack time is also an important learning opportunity. Children take turns being snack helpers, supporting responsibility and independence, while staff talk with children about:

• Balanced nutrition
• Where food comes from
• How different foods help our bodies grow, stay healthy and have energy

We also use snack times to celebrate children’s cultures, family traditions and cultural capital. This may include tasting foods from different countries, talking about favourite foods from home, or linking food to festivals and celebrations. This inclusive approach helps children feel valued and builds curiosity and respect for the wider world.
The snack menu for the day is displayed in our Mucky Pups Café, supporting children’s understanding of routines and food choices.

Packed Lunches...

Children staying for lunch are asked to bring a packed lunch from home. Lunch remains a social experience, with children eating together with their keyworkers in a relaxed and supportive environment.
We encourage packed lunches to reflect a balanced approach, in line with national guidance, and may include:

• A starchy food (bread, wraps, pasta, rice or crackers)
• Fruit and/or vegetables
• A protein or dairy food (cheese, yoghurt, egg, hummus or alternatives)
• Water or milk

We understand that families have different preferences, cultural choices and dietary needs and are always happy to offer guidance if families would like support.

Working in Partnership with Families...

Healthy eating works best when nursery and home work together. We value open communication with families and regularly share information through conversations and the Famly app. We also signpost families to trusted resources such as Change4Life and are always happy to offer support or advice in a non-judgemental way

Healthy Lunch Box Policy

Loads of good ideas for healthy lunch boxes

Allergy Safety and Safer Eating...

The safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority. We work closely with families to ensure that all allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements are clearly understood and consistently managed.

• All staff are trained in paediatric first aid, food hygiene, allergy awareness and nutrition
• Individual care plans are in place for children with allergies or medical dietary needs
• Staff carefully supervise snack and mealtimes to minimise risk
• Food sharing is managed sensitively and safely

We kindly ask families to clearly label packed lunches and inform us of any changes to dietary needs. Our team is always happy to discuss allergy management, safer food choices or nutrition with parents and carers.

What our families say...

“Since starting at Mucky Pups, my child is much more confident at mealtimes and loves helping to set the table and try new foods. It’s had such a positive impact at home too.”
— Parent
“I like snack time because we all sit together and I get to be a snack helper.”
— Mucky Pups child

Healthy Eating Policy