At The Learning Experience we understand how important food is for the healthy development of children’s rapidly growing bodies and their ability to focus and think. Research from, ‘First Steps Nutrition’, demonstrates the first 1000 days (nine months pregnancy and first two years of a baby’s life) is a critical window of opportunity to get food and nutrition right for every individual across the world. What children eat and drink in their formative years can affect their health and development for their latter years. We place an emphasis on creating healthy relationships with food and having a nutritious diet. 

At TLE, we follow guidance from First Steps Nutrition Trust for children under one year old.

Eating well: The First Year

Our Childcare centres offer freshly prepared food from our nutritionally balanced planned menus. Our menus incorporate guidance regarding appropriate portion sizes, food groups and sugar and salt intake as well as enabling our TLE little learners to experience a comprehensive range of new tastes and textures from across the world. 

Click here for additional resources on eating well during the first year.

Click here to view advice from NHS regarding Baby’s first solid foods.

Food Safety: 

Safety is a top priority at our TLE centres. We have robust and comprehensive policies and procedures in place (HYPERLINK TO FOOD POLICY) to manage an individual allergies and intolerances. At our TLE centres, we have a strict ‘no nuts’ onsite policy and our menus take account of eliminating common allergens. For more information, please see our Food safety statement (hyperlink) and policy (hyperlink). 

Useful links to additional nutritional websites: 

Healthy Eating in Children

The First 1000 Days – Enabling children to be a healthier weight

A Healthy Start and Good Foods

Infants Milk

Eating Well During the Early Years