Nutrition

Mireya

Nursery Cook

Nutrition at Anglo Spanish Nursery School

At Anglo Spanish Nursery School, we are committed to fostering healthy eating habits and a deep appreciation for nutritious food from an early age. Our approach to nutrition goes beyond simply serving meals; we aim to create a holistic experience where children learn, grow, and build the foundations for a lifetime of healthy eating.

Seasonal Menus and Balanced Nutrition

Our menus are thoughtfully planned to reflect the changing seasons, ensuring children enjoy the freshest, most nutrient-rich ingredients throughout the year. This approach not only supports local produce but also introduces children to a variety of flavours and food experiences.

Our dedicated chef, Mireya, prepares each meal with care and attention, balancing ingredients to meet the unique dietary needs of every child. Whether accommodating allergies, cultural preferences, or specific nutritional requirements, Mireya crafts each dish to ensure every child is nourished and included.

Mediterranean Diet and Spanish Flavours

Staying true to our Spanish roots, we incorporate elements of the Mediterranean diet into our meals. This diet is renowned for its health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting heart health. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients.

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet include:

  • Nutrients for Growing Bodies: Packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Mediterranean diet provides children with the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and grow strong.
  • Exciting Food Choices: With a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and legumes, children get to try many different foods. This helps them develop a taste for new and healthy foods, making mealtimes enjoyable and educational.
  • Steady Energy for Active Days: Balanced meals that include proteins, fibre, and healthy carbohydrates keep children energized throughout the day. This helps them stay focused during activities and prevents tiredness.

This influence allows us to introduce the children to authentic Spanish flavours, such as traditional vegetable paella, tortilla Española, and lentil stews with plenty of fresh herbs. By creating familiar and enjoyable meals rooted in cultural traditions, we help children develop a palate that appreciates nutritious, flavourful foods.

Mireya, our cherished chef, has been part of the Anglo Spanish Nursery family for over 20 years. With her extensive experience and passion for cooking, she creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere at mealtimes. She loves sharing moments with the children during meals, making them feel at home and cared for while encouraging independence through self-serving and table-setting activities.

Teaching Healthy Eating Habits Early

We believe that the early years are critical for teaching children about food and nutrition. The lessons and habits they form at this stage lay the groundwork for making healthy choices as they move on to school and throughout their lives. By incorporating nutrition education into our daily activities, we inspire children to understand and appreciate the importance of eating well.

Our no-sugar, no-salt policy adheres to government guidelines to ensure meals are not only delicious but also healthy. These standards focus on increasing essential vitamins and minerals while reducing unhealthy fats and sugars. This balanced approach ensures that every dish supports the children’s growth and development.

Our approach is guided by the nutrient and food-based standards recommended by the government to create healthy, balanced meals. These guidelines promote:

  • Increasing vitamin and mineral content in meals to boost health and immunity.
  • Decreasing saturated fats and sugars to foster healthy growth and prevent future health issues.

The main food groups that we include in our meals are:

  • Starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta, and rice for energy.
  • Fruits and vegetables to provide vital vitamins and minerals.
  • Meat, fish, eggs, beans, and other non-dairy protein sources for growth and development.
  • Milk and dairy foods to support strong bones and teeth.

These core food groups are combined in different ways to create varied, appealing, and nutritionally complete meals.

Birthday Celebrations at Anglo Spanish Nursery

At Anglo Spanish Nursery, we love to make every child’s birthday extra special. Our talented chef, Mireya, creates personalised birthday cakes using natural, healthier ingredients, such as fresh fruits like bananas and oranges. These cakes are sweetened naturally, ensuring all children can enjoy them, even those with dietary preferences or allergies. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes each birthday celebration at the nursery inclusive and joyful. The cakes are shared among the children, making the occasion even more special and allowing everyone to take part in the festivities.

A Home Away from Home

Mealtimes at our nursery are designed to be fun, educational, and inclusive. The dining room serves as a vibrant learning environment where children practice independence, motor skills, and social etiquette. Activities such as setting the table, sharing food, and using cutlery are seamlessly integrated into their daily routines, making them confident and capable.

With Mireya’s guidance and the nurturing atmosphere at Anglo Spanish Nursery School, we aim to cultivate not just a love for food but a deep understanding of its role in health and happiness.

If you would like more advice on the menu and cooking methods please pop in and visit our chef who will be happy to provide taste samples and recipes.