POPPIES NURSERY ACHIEVE FOOD FOR LIFE AWARD
Getting toddlers to enjoy healthy food is a challenge for many parents. Much loved nursery, Elmscot Poppies, has landed on a winning recipe. They are the first in Knutsford to achieve the coveted Soil Association’s Food for Life Early Years Award. Supported by specialists including Jamie Oliver, the award acknowledges Poppies commitment to providing outstanding food and food education for children in their care. It has been developed from the Soil Association’s schools award, independently proven to make a positive contribution to pupil health and wellbeing.
Inspiring a lifetime of healthy eating at Poppies starts with the children getting plenty of fresh air. They enjoy shopping trips to local food markets, and working up an appetite on Knutsford Heath. Back at nursery, they use food for learning and cooking.
Kaye, Poppies’ chef, prepares delicious meals that the children love, on site (rated 5 stars for food hygiene), from scratch, using varied menus approved by a paediatric dietitian. She sources the freshest local ingredients, nurturing strong relationships with local suppliers. For example, award winning Woods the Butchers.
Nursery staff eat with the children in a calm, family style, gently coaxing them to try new foods and chat about their day, whilst encouraging independence, good table manners and sharing. Parents are consulted to ensure all dietary requirements are met, weaning support offered and menus shared.
Siân Creagh-Osborne, Food for Life Awards Programe Manager said “I am incredibly proud of Poppies for their hard work in achieving the Food for Life Early Years award. By meeting all of the criteria they are demonstrating that they are not only providing the nutritious food that plays such a crucial role in a child’s development, but are enriching the curriculum through growing and cooking, giving every child in their care the best possible start in life.”
This award is no flash in the pan. Elmscot group’s food has won three national nursery food awards, they have their own recipe book, and are often called upon to advise on other nurseries food.
At a time when eating well has never been more important for our health and wellbeing, it is reassuring to know that Early Years Food for Life award winning food is available right here in Knutsford. Oh, to be young again.
https://www.foodforlife.org.uk/early-years
