Weston Way Nursery School

Healthy and Safe Lunch Boxes

At Weston Way Nursery School, we are committed to supporting children’s health, wellbeing and development. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Nutrition Guidance (May 2025) , all food provided to children aged 0–5 should be healthy, balanced and nutritious.

As children bring packed lunches from home, we ask for your support in ensuring lunchboxes reflect this national guidance.

🥗 What a Healthy Lunchbox Should Include

A balanced lunch should contain foods from the 4 main food groups:

1. Fruit and Vegetables

  • At least one portion of fruit and/or vegetables

  • Fresh, frozen or tinned in juice (not syrup)

  • Examples: sliced apple (cut safely), cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes (quartered lengthways), soft fruit

2. Starchy Carbohydrates

  • Bread, wraps, rice, pasta, potatoes

  • Wholemeal or wholegrain options are encouraged

  • Plain rice cakes or crackers are suitable

3. Dairy or Alternatives

  • Cheese cubes or slices

  • Plain yoghurt (unsweetened)

  • From age 1: whole or semi-skimmed milk (no skimmed or 1% milk)

4. Protein

  • Lean meat or chicken

  • Egg

  • Beans, lentils or pulses

  • Tuna or other fish

NHS Healthier lunch box guidance

First Steps Nutrition Packed Lunch Guidance

🚫 Foods That Should Not Be Included

In line with EYFS guidance and our nursery policy, please do not include:

  • Sweets, chocolate, cakes, biscuits or confectionery

  • Crisps or highly processed salty snacks

  • Sugary drinks, fruit juice, squash or smoothies

  • Foods high in salt, sugar or saturated fat

  • Whole nuts or nut-containing products including sesame (we are a nut-aware setting - see web page)

  • Shellfish

  • Popcorn

💧Only water should be provided in bottles.

⚠️ Choking Safety

To reduce choking risks:

  • Cut grapes, cherry tomatoes and similar round foods into quarters lengthways

  • Ensure foods are suitable for your child’s age and stage

All food should be prepared in a way that supports safe eating.

Food Safety

Link to poster

//www.youtube.com/embed/wCjZLbejZm8#t=0.5

 Messages Home

📝We will pop a note in lunch boxes to support any considerations for lunch box preparation at home.

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