It is my policy to provide children with healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks.
Those responsible for the preparation and handling of food will be competent to do so.
Procedure
Before a child is admitted I will obtain information about any special dietary requirements, preferences and food allergies, and any special health requirements.
I will collect, record and act on information from parents about a child’s dietary needs.
Where parents provide meals for their children to eat in my setting I will provide chilled storage for packed lunches and appropriate storage areas for other foodstuffs.
I will also provide children with clean and age-appropriate crockery and eating utensils.
I will provide children with healthy meals, snacks and drinks. All meals will be cooked using organic ingredients from the Riverford Organic Farm Company.
I will ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times, both in and outside my setting.
I will detail any allergens that are present in the food that I prepare for children. I will list any allergens in ingredients that are present in any food that I produce.
I will ensure suitable sterilisation equipment for babies’ food.
I will keep pets out of the food preparation area at all times. If a family pet does gain access to this area then I will ensure that all work surfaces and cooking utensils have been thoroughly cleaned before any food preparation or food handling takes place.
Baby changing facilities will not be near food preparation areas.
I will ensure that I, and everyone caring for children, as well as the children themselves, are aware of good hand washing procedures and how these are carried out.
I will not undertake laundry during times of food preparation and I will ensure that any soiled clothing or detergents will not come into contact with food preparation areas.
If there is an outbreak of food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on my premises I will notify Ofsted as soon as possible but definitely within 14 days of the incident occurring in order to comply with regulations.
I will keep all food receipts, including those under £10, so that if there is an outbreak of food poisoning on my premises I will be able to trace the outlet where the food was purchased.