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Emma Durrant - One of of OFSTED’s approved childminders and an NCMA Children Come First Network member. Based in Benfleet.
I am happy to provide meals for the children in my care. Menus are prepared weekly in advance and displayed in the setting so the parents and children are able to see and comment on our nutritional selections. I will work with parent(s)/carer(s) to ensure that, between us, we are providing balance in your child’s diet ensuring that all their nutritional needs are being met. Again, through talking with the parent(s)/carer(s) I will gain vital information about any food allergies, intolerances, cultural or religious beliefs that your child may have. Alternatively, parents may choose to supply a packed lunch for their child.
Please click here for a sample menu.
Mealtimes should be enjoyable for everyone, a social occasion and time for learning. Sharing a meal and talking together is an important part of children’s social development. Booster seats/highchairs and appropriate cutlery are supplied for younger children.
It is important to introduce babies and young children to a wide variety of tastes, but also to respect a child’s right not to have to eat things they really dislike (as adults don’t). A good variety should provide all the nutrients – protein, fibre, calcium, minerals, vitamins – that most children require to keep healthy and grow.
Most of the meals I offer are prepared from scratch, using fresh ingredients to avoid added salt, sugar, food additives and colourings. The children are encouraged to grow seasonal fruits and vegetables in the garden and assist in food preparation when practical and appropriate. We often make healthy, fresh fruit smoothies, fruit jellies, biscuits and cakes as well as savoury dishes such as soups and simple pastry dishes. One of our favourite afternoon activities is making our own pizzas.
Menu choices will be discussed with the children and to support their social development they will be provided the opportunity to share in a choice of what they will eat. All children will be involved at meal time whether it will be helping with wiping down the table to setting plates, cutlery and cups. Older children will be given the opportunity in helping with food preparation such as making their own sandwiches, slice fruit and vegetables all of which help to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The safety of your child is paramount and they will be supplied with plastic knives and under close supervision at all times.
I ask that parents supply all formula/expressed milk and bottles for younger babies. The baby will always be held to be bottle fed. I am also happy to supply simple nutritious pureed meals for a weaning baby as I have always done this for my own children., but appreciate that most parents prefer to supply their own food.
Please click here for a sample menu.
Mealtimes should be enjoyable for everyone, a social occasion and time for learning. Sharing a meal and talking together is an important part of children’s social development. Booster seats/highchairs and appropriate cutlery are supplied for younger children.
It is important to introduce babies and young children to a wide variety of tastes, but also to respect a child’s right not to have to eat things they really dislike (as adults don’t). A good variety should provide all the nutrients – protein, fibre, calcium, minerals, vitamins – that most children require to keep healthy and grow.
Most of the meals I offer are prepared from scratch, using fresh ingredients to avoid added salt, sugar, food additives and colourings. The children are encouraged to grow seasonal fruits and vegetables in the garden and assist in food preparation when practical and appropriate. We often make healthy, fresh fruit smoothies, fruit jellies, biscuits and cakes as well as savoury dishes such as soups and simple pastry dishes. One of our favourite afternoon activities is making our own pizzas.
Menu choices will be discussed with the children and to support their social development they will be provided the opportunity to share in a choice of what they will eat. All children will be involved at meal time whether it will be helping with wiping down the table to setting plates, cutlery and cups. Older children will be given the opportunity in helping with food preparation such as making their own sandwiches, slice fruit and vegetables all of which help to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The safety of your child is paramount and they will be supplied with plastic knives and under close supervision at all times.
I ask that parents supply all formula/expressed milk and bottles for younger babies. The baby will always be held to be bottle fed. I am also happy to supply simple nutritious pureed meals for a weaning baby as I have always done this for my own children., but appreciate that most parents prefer to supply their own food.
If your child has any food allergies and requires a modified diet, you must notify me of the situation in writing. Please also provide a Doctor’s written instruction describing any foods your child is not permitted to eat. Whenever possible, an appropriate alternative should be suggested or provided.
