Food safety policy 

We are committed to maintaining safe and healthy practices regarding food storage, preparation, and service throughout our setting.

 

To ensure food safety, we have established rigorous standards of personal hygiene for all staff members involved in food handling and preparation. Individuals displaying signs of ill health will not be allowed to handle food. All staff handling food will receive the relevant training in food hygiene and adhere to current legislation, including:

 

• Always washing hands with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after handling food, using the toilet, or changing nappies.

• Using the correct colour-coded chopping boards.

• Refraining from participating in food preparation if unwell.

• Wearing appropriate sterile clothing, such as hair nets, aprons, and closed-toe shoes.

• Holding a valid Food Hygiene certificate.

• Ensuring all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before serving.

• Avoiding wearing jewellery, particularly rings, watches, and bracelets.

• Completely covering any cuts, spots, or sores on hands and arms with waterproof dressings.

• Maintaining short and clean fingernails. Food handlers, including children, should not wear nail varnish as it may contaminate food or wear gloves.

 

Temperature control:

• Our policy dictates that all food items are stored according to safe handling practices and at the appropriate temperature to maintain food quality.

• Daily checks and records of fridge temperatures are conducted to ensure compliance with the correct temperature requirements.

 

Allergies:

• We accommodate children's specific dietary needs, including allergies, food intolerances, and religious, cultural, or ethical reasons.

• Our setting is nut-free to ensure the safety of all children.

• Staff members are informed of children's special requirements through individual care plans and information provided by parents during registration.

• We exercise food hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination.

 

Cleaning of Food Preparation Areas:

• The fridge undergoes thorough weekly cleaning, and all items past their use-by or best-before dates are disposed of correctly.

• All food preparation surfaces are wiped clean after use with anti-bacterial cleaner and disposable cloths.

• Chopping boards are cleaned after use with warm soapy water, anti-bacterial cleaner, and thorough rinsing.

 

Healthy Eating:

• We promote a healthy eating programme in line with Government guidelines, where applicable.

• The programme is communicated to all parents and guardians, emphasising the availability of sufficient, suitable, and nutritious food and drinks for each child.

• The menu, comprising a wide variety of healthy foods, is clearly displayed.

• The main meal includes appropriate servings of protein, starch, dairy, vegetables, and iron.

• Parents and guardians are informed if their child has not eaten well.

• Staff members sit with children during meal or snack time, encouraging good eating habits.

• We accommodate specific dietary requests, such as hypersensitivities and religious requirements.

 

Parents/carers are not required to provide food or drinks for their children. However, if they choose to do so, we kindly request that parents/carers follow our commitment to healthy eating. For example:

• We kindly request parents exclude squash or juice and provide only water.

• Sugary sweets and snacks should be avoided. Instead, we encourage the inclusion of healthy fruits and vegetables.

• No nuts should be brought into the setting.

 

CREATED: AUGUST 2023   NEXT REVIEW: AUGUST 2024