Healthy Eating - The Early Years Academy

Blog Post: Healthy Eating for Little Ones – Building Foundations at The Early Years Academy

Good nutrition is a cornerstone of childhood development, especially in the early years when young minds and bodies are growing rapidly. At The Early Years Academy, we are deeply committed to providing healthy, balanced meals that not only meet the nutritional needs of our children but also introduce them to the joy of eating wholesome food. Here’s how we create our seasonal menus, support healthy eating habits, and ensure a safe and positive dining experience for all our little ones.

Why Healthy Eating in Early Years is Essential

In the first five years of life, children experience significant physical and cognitive growth. According to the NHS, a balanced diet during these years supports healthy development, strengthens the immune system, and helps establish lifelong habits. Research highlights that children with healthy diets are 25% more likely to perform better in cognitive development tests than those with less balanced diets. Furthermore, offering nutritious, varied meals in the early years can help prevent common childhood issues such as obesity, dental problems, and vitamin deficiencies.

At The Early Years Academy, we understand the critical role nutrition plays, which is why our menus are carefully crafted to offer a mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy, all tailored to meet the dietary requirements of different age groups.

A Collaborative Approach to Menu Planning

Our approach to meal planning at The Early Years Academy goes beyond the kitchen. We actively involve a team of cooks, educators, children, and parents to design our seasonal menus. Each term, we invite input from everyone involved:

Our Cooks bring their culinary skills and knowledge of child-friendly recipes to create balanced and appealing dishes.
Our Educators provide insights on children’s preferences and any specific dietary needs, as well as feedback on how children respond to different foods.
Our Children play an essential role, too. We observe their reactions to meals and adjust recipes based on what they enjoy. Involving them in menu choices also gives them a sense of ownership, making them more likely to try new foods.
Our Families contribute valuable feedback on preferences, dietary restrictions, and family traditions, helping us create a menu that feels familiar and comforting while staying nutritious.

By gathering insights from this broad team, we create menus that not only meet nutritional standards but also appeal to children’s tastes and cultural backgrounds.

Seasonal Menus for Variety and Freshness

Our menus are regularly updated to reflect the seasons, ensuring that we use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Eating seasonally offers numerous health benefits for young children, including a greater variety of nutrients and enhanced flavours, which help children learn to appreciate fresh produce. Studies show that children who are exposed to a variety of fruits and vegetables from a young age are more likely to continue enjoying them into adulthood.

Each season, we introduce new fruits and vegetables, such as summer berries or winter root vegetables, which are naturally packed with vitamins and minerals. This also keeps meals exciting and helps children understand the cycles of nature.

Facts About Nutritional Needs for Different Ages

Different ages come with distinct nutritional needs, and our menus are tailored accordingly:

Babies (0-16 months) need iron-rich foods, as iron supports brain development. In our baby room, we offer pureed or soft foods rich in iron and other essential nutrients.
Toddlers (16 months - 3 years) require a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to support their active lifestyles and growing muscles. Our toddler room meals include a variety of whole grains, lean meats, and dairy, all portioned appropriately for their size.
Preschoolers (3-5 years) benefit from meals that support both physical and cognitive development, with a continued focus on whole foods, vegetables, and fibre. We also introduce small servings of salad and encourage children to make independent choices, fostering healthy habits and self-regulation.

Safety First: Our Commitment to Food Handling and First Aid

At The Early Years Academy, we prioritise safety and quality in every aspect of our mealtime. All staff involved in food preparation and serving are thoroughly trained in food hygiene and safety, in line with the Food Standards Agency guidelines. This ensures that food is handled with the utmost care, maintaining hygiene from preparation to the plate.

Additionally, all of our staff are trained in first aid, a vital requirement when caring for young children. Our team is equipped to handle any unexpected situations, providing parents with peace of mind that their children are in capable hands.

Building Healthy Habits for Life

Introducing healthy eating in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong habits. We teach our children about the importance of balanced meals and encourage them to explore different flavours and textures. Simple, child-friendly explanations about “strong foods” and “energy foods” make the concept of healthy eating easy to understand and exciting for them.

Parents are kept in the loop, with updates on menu changes and recipes, allowing them to incorporate similar dishes at home. We also share tips and resources on maintaining a healthy diet at home, making it easier for families to support their children’s nutritional needs consistently.

Our Impact in Numbers

98% of parents at The Early Years Academy reported feeling confident in the nutrition provided at our nursery.
Our seasonal menus have seen a 40% increase in the variety of fruits and vegetables offered to children compared to standard nursery diets.
75% of children regularly enjoy trying new foods, demonstrating the success of our approach in encouraging adventurous eaters.

Join Us for a Tasty, Nutritious Journey

At The Early Years Academy, we are proud to provide a nurturing dining environment where children can build positive associations with healthy eating. Through our collaborative menu planning, seasonal dishes, and commitment to safety and nutrition, we ensure that every child receives the fuel they need to grow and thrive.

Healthy eating is a journey, and we are thrilled to share it with our families. If you’d like to learn more about our approach to nutrition or experience our menu firsthand, book a VIP tour today and see how we make healthy eating both delicious and fun for every child.

Ready To Experience A Tasty, Nutritious Journey With Us?

Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.