5.1 Identify balanced meals, snacks and drinks for children in their Early Years, following current government guidance on nutritional needs
It is very important within my setting that we follow the government’s food safety standards when we are giving the children their breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is all in place with all the different dietary needs that each child needs to abide by.
All the appropriate nutrients are met which are carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, iron, milk, water and vegetables.
We make sure that the children have a well balanced diet to provide all the required food elements for development, energy and growth for strong bones, teeth, hair, and nails with a sufficient amount of water during the day to make up the rest of our body count.
The babies that are in my setting will have baby food brought in for them from their parents which will be providing all the required nutrients to help them grow, the ones that are 8mths up will have food given to them that has been pureed which will include potatoes, vegetables, cheese (if it is ok on their dietary requirements because some children may have allergies.
Toddlers and Preschool children will eat all the main sources of food that is relevant for their growth, we provide the menu so that every child will be able to eat the food given to them whether they are from a different ethnic culture making sure that the food does not have anything in it that the child will become ill from our that their parent will be unhappy with what we are giving to them all the information is in place for them to see.
Vegetables, fruits, milk and water are given to the children everyday to maintain their dietary needs, the menu is changed every day so the children are not repeatedly eating the same food everyday during lunch and dinner except in the morning they