Our Approach to Healthy Eating

At Maple Tree Nursery, we believe that healthy eating is an essential part of every child’s early development. As part of our commitment to wellbeing, we follow the Food for Life approach, promoting healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food from an early age. Our freshly prepared, nutritious meals use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, helping children learn about where food comes from and the importance of making healthy choices. We believe that good nutrition underpins learning, development, and lifelong wellbeing.

food for life

Food for Life Early Years Award

We are proud to be part of the Soil Association’s Food for Life Early Years Award, which recognises nurseries that give children the best possible start to their food journey. Through this programme, we ensure that children enjoy nutritious, freshly prepared meals and develop positive food habits that last.

The award supports us in:

  • Providing tasty, balanced meals that meet early years nutrition guidelines
  • Encouraging healthy behaviours and positive attitudes towards food
  • Creating meaningful food‑based learning experiences for children
  • Offering cooking, growing, and practical food activities for children, staff, and families
  • Demonstrating to Ofsted how we help children keep themselves healthy
  • This work is supported and commissioned by Walsall Local Authority Early Years Department.

Meals at Maple Tree Nursery

All meals at Maple Tree Nursery & Pre‑School are prepared onsite by our nursery chef, using fresh ingredients sourced locally. We provide a balanced diet that includes the government‑recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Our menus are:

  • Carefully planned by our chef and senior team
  • Reviewed regularly to maintain high nutritional standards
  • Served on a three‑week rotating cycle
  • Designed to offer breakfast, a hot midday meal with dessert, a light tea, and healthy snacks

Snacks include fresh fruit, vegetables, toast, and other simple options, with water and milk available throughout the day.

We cater for:

  • Cultural and religious dietary needs
  • Medical dietary requirements
  • Individual weaning journeys for our youngest children

Mealtimes are calm, social, and supportive, helping children develop independence, confidence, and positive relationships with food.