Packed Lunch Policy
We have a nutritious packed-lunchbox policy that outlines what you can put in the lunchbox, how to cool and store the food until your child consumes it, and how to transport it safely. We will send the policy directly and ask that you agree by signing the agreement in your Babysdays profile.
Nutrition and portion control
As part of our policy, we outline what your child should be eating each day and how much. These portion sizes are the national guidelines for education set in place by the Department for Education. As an education provider, we follow these guidelines very closely.
Items not permitted
Items were removed from lunchboxes on our first two days of inspecting lunchboxes after giving two weeks’ notice to provide a healthy lunch. Every child was offered a nutritious alternative of steamed vegetables (green beans, butternut squash and carrots), cucumber, fruit, rice cakes, breadsticks, cream cheese or cheddar cheese.
Other foods that are NOT permitted and will be removed from the lunchbox and replaced with a healthy alternative are: flavoured yoghurts, crisps that are not on our permitted list, a full packet of crisps, and processed foods like fridge raiders or equivalent brands.
Success Story
Within days of sharing our healthy lunchbox guidelines, our families rose to the challenge beautifully. Here are just two examples of the wonderful lunches arriving at Precious Playdays. A chicken wrap with cucumber, apples, and a pinch of crisps. Simple, balanced and prepared with love. A ham sandwich, apples and grapes. Both cut appropriately to avoid choking. This is what partnership with our families looks like in action. We are so proud.
For THE full list of Allergens, please see the preschool menu above. Allergens served include: Dairy, Gluten, Wheat, Fish, Eggs
Q&A
Why do I need to pack an ice pack? Food that is not kept below 8°c enters the temperature danger zone where harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli can multiply rapidly - at Precious Playdays we have a legal duty to ensure food is stored safely, and any lunchbox arriving without an ice pack will be replaced with our healthy preschool lunch to protect your child
Q&A
Can I bring reheated food in a hot flask? Unfortunately not - reheated food must be eaten immediately and cannot be stored for later consumption, as reheating and then storing food a second time creates a serious risk of bacterial growth that could make your child very unwell
Q&A
Can I bring freshly cooked food in a flask? Unfortunately not - whilst a flask may keep food warm initially, we cannot guarantee it will remain above 75°c throughout the morning and into lunchtime, meaning it could enter the temperature danger zone where harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly and cause serious illness in young children.