Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements
Food and Drink
Encouraging children to eat well means starting early and inspiring them to make healthier food choices, teaching them how to cook and enjoy eating good, healthy food. We know that when children eat better, they do better. Below are some resources that you can use to encourage children to eat well.
Downloads

This framework is mandatory for all early years providers in England from 1 September 2021. Please refer to 'Food and drink', section 3.48 - 3.50.
Example menus for early year settings in England – Part 1
Includes menus and useful information for early years settings to help them to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements for food and drink.
Example menus for early year settings in England – Part 2
This resource provides recipes and two three-week example menus for early years settings in England.
Changes to food allergen information rules
Food Standard Agency Information – From 13th December 2014, all food businesses will need to provide information about the allergenic ingredients used in food sold or provided by them.
Childhood Obesity: a plan for action
The Government's plan for action to significantly reduce childhood obesity by supporting helthier choices.
Change4Life: Lunchbox Ideas and Recipes
Families can find lots of easy-to-prepare lunchbox ideas that children will love, as well as tips on what else to put in their lunchbox.
Useful Websites
Find out more about food and drink in the early years. Have a look at some of the links below: