Are you wondering what that means for your child at preschool?
We’ve broken it down into 10 things families need to know, so you can feel confident about what’s changing, and how we’ve already updated our meal policy at Play B C Preschool to get ready.
- It’s now statutory
Settings must follow the guidance unless there’s a good reason not to. That means you can be confident your child is eating meals planned around best practice.
- Healthy, balanced meals every day
Meals, snacks, and drinks must be nutritious and balanced, supporting energy, growth, and concentration.
- Covers children from birth to five
The guidance spans babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, with advice on responsive feeding, safe weaning, and portion sizes.
- Clear portion guidance
It sets out age-appropriate portion sizes (often based on a child’s fist size) and recommends food from all the major food groups.
- Less sugar, less salt
There’s a strong push to limit puddings, processed snacks, juices, and salty foods, keeping meals nourishing and low in added sugars.
- Support for baby feeding too
The guidance includes support for breastfeeding, safe use of formula, and safe weaning practices — eg, no honey before one, avoiding choking hazards.
- Menus that reflect variety and culture
Providers are encouraged to plan seasonal menus two to four times per year, offering variety and celebrating cultural dishes.
- Transparency and communication
Settings are expected to have a clear food policy and share menus and allergen information openly with families.
- Clear rules for food from home
If your child brings in food or drink from home, it must meet the same healthy standards. Families also need to provide allergen information (eg, labelling a lunchbox or recipe card). This keeps everyone safe, especially children with allergies.
- Inclusion for all
The guidance makes clear that all children, including those with allergies or cultural / religious needs, must have safe and suitable options.
What this means at Play B C Preschool
- Menus are balanced and crafted with seasonal, fresh ingredients.
- Sugar and salt are kept low while taste and variety remain high.
- We inform families about menus and allergen info.
- If your child brings food from home, we ask that allergen info be included too.
- Above all, every child’s dietary needs are met with care and respect.
We couldn’t do it alone, our meals are provided by Zebedees, a leading nursery caterer for over 25 years. They deliver fresh, hot lunches using locally sourced ingredients. Their menus are crafted with nutritionists to meet (and often exceed) the latest DfE guidance, with carefully managed allergy-safe options so no child misses out. Menus run on a three-week rotation to keep taste buds excited and well-nourished.
Play B C offers term-time or 48-week places in Wallington and Carshalton, with a teacher-led team, high adult ratios, and a play-rich, nurturing environment. Every day is a learning adventure.
What to read next…
Find out about food and nutrition at Play B C here.
