TotalCare Childminding

I have a Food Hygiene Certificate and a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating from my local authority which enables me to prepare food for the children in my care.   I ensure that I fully comply with all current legislation.

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My personal preference is to offer home cooked healthy options as opposed to processed food in my setting and I believe a balanced healthy nutritious diet is essential to all children in my care and teach the children accordingly about diets and associated benefits.  I actively encourage all parents to be involved in their child’s healthy eating regime and offer the parents any advice I can to improve their child’s diet and am available to discuss any dietary related issues as necessary.  I also actively encourage children to help and learn in the kitchen according to their age and ability whenever possible.

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Other dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, medically required diets (such as coeliac and dairy free) and cultural wishes are also catered for.

 

Normally I provide food for all the children within my care, but if a parent wishes then they may supply all the food needed for their child.

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Fresh drinking water is available and accessible at all times.  Each child has their own drinking cup (never shared) and I do not allow fizzy drinks within my setting.

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Parents will need to provide adequate sterilised bottles and forumula (if appropriate).

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Meals are offered to children depending on their hours within my care.  Examples of menus available include the following:-

 

Breakfast:

Toast (wholemeal or white bread) – alone or with jam, marmite, etc 

Eggs (scrambled, poached or boiled) / Omlette / Pancakes

Cereal (several options available including weetabix and porridge)

Yoghurt / Fresh fruit (variable according to season)

 

Lunch:

Sandwiches (wholemeal or white bread) / Rolls / Pitta Bread /

Crumpets / Muffins / Scotch Pancakes / Malt Loaf

Fillings for the above could include: meat, cheese, salad, jam, marmite

Home-made bread / home-made rolls

Yoghurt / Raisins

Fresh fruit (variable according to season)

Cheese (squares or chunks – from block of cheese rather than processed pre-bought strips

Strips/batons of cucumber, carrot, pepper, etc / Cherry tomatoes

Items such as crisps, biscuits and cakes may occasionally be offered, but not  routinely – healthier versions when offered (ie baked biscuits, fruit bars, fruit flakes)

 

Dinner:

(Served at 5pm, with weekly menu given in advance to parents, wherever possible eating as a family) 

Options may include some of the following:-

Pasta

Roast Dinner (chicken or pork) / Stir Fry

Shepherds Pie / Lasange / Meat Pie / Fish Pie

Spaghetti Bolognese/ Stews

Salad / Flan / Quiche / Frittata

Curry with rice / Chilli Con Carne

 

Snacks:

Fresh fruit (variable according to season)

Vegetable sticks such as cucumber, carrots, celery

Rice cakes

Breadsticks

Other items from the lunch menu