At Acorn we see mealtimes as a happy and important part of the nursery day. All meals and snacks we provide (excluding lunch) are included in our fees and are thoughtfully planned to support healthy, balanced eating, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance. We follow the Children’s Food Trust’s “Eat Better, Eat Smart” approach and are always happy to support children with dietary requirements, food preferences and allergies.

We love celebrating the seasons and special moments throughout the year, and food is often part of this fun. Children regularly enjoy seasonal and celebration food-tasting activities, giving them the chance to explore new flavours, learn about different traditions, and build positive, relaxed attitudes towards food.

Families can choose a hot lunch option provided by our catering partner, Dolce, with meals freshly prepared in the Malcolm Sargent School kitchens. Lunches can be ordered through the School Grid parent portal, where parents can easily manage orders, payments, and cancellations. Hot meals are delivered to the nursery each lunchtime during term time. Alternatively, you are very welcome to send a healthy packed lunch from home.

Mealtimes are calm, social occasions where children sit together, chat with friends, and are gently encouraged to try new foods, practise good table manners, and enjoy eating together.

We also provide a variety of healthy snacks each morning and afternoon, served with milk or water. A fruit bowl and fresh drinking water are always available throughout the day.

For our Active Owls teatime children, our nursery menus are available below. These are reviewed and updated twice a year to reflect the seasons and children’s tastes.