Park Lane Kids operates two nurseries in Melton Mowbray - offering exceptional childcare for local parents in two different environments.

Woodlands Nursery & Forest School

Learn more about our spectacular Ofsted Outstanding rated nursery set in a wooded area where your child will learn and play in nature.

Park Lane Nursery

Learn more about our friendly, nurturing, home-from-home nursery in the heart of Melton Mowbray. Rated in the top 10 in Leicestershire by parents on the DayNurseries.co.uk reviews site.

BY PAULA WRIGHT, NURSERY MANAGER WITH ALPHA KINDERGARTEN GROUP

The questions that you should be asking about food at nursery

In your child’s first five years, they will grow faster than at any point in their life. Food is the fuel that helps drive that growth, meaning that what your child eats is vital to give them the best start to life. 

Paula Wright is the nursery manager at Birstall Rainbow Nursery - part of the Alpha Kindergarten Group. She has spent her career in early years education and has been at Rainbow for over 20 years. 
In your child’s first five years, they will grow faster than at any point in their life. Food is the fuel that helps drive that growth, meaning that what your child eats is vital to give them the best start to life. At the same time, increasing numbers of children are entering primary school overweight and with associated health problems.

We know that’s why parents put so much effort into making sure that children eat well at home and why it’s so important that the food they eat at nursery is just as good. Here are five questions to ask to ensure that your child is receiving the highest quality food at nursery. 


1. Are the meals cooked freshly on site?

Parents need to check whether meals are actually made at the nursery. At all our nurseries, we have our own dedicated cook who prepares meals freshly on site each day. This is important because it means that we know exactly what is in the meals that we are providing to children. It also means that we can use fresh ingredients – locally sourced where possible – to provide the highest quality food.

> Learn more about Park Lane Nursery

> Learn more about Woodlands Nursery & Forest School


2. Are meals designed with nutrition in mind?

It’s also important that the meals your child receives are designed with their health in mind. In devising our menus, we plan them to ensure that each meal supports your child’s development. We do this by ensuring that each meal has the correct nutritional balance and each day we incorporate at least five servings of fruit and vegetables into the food your child eats. 

> Learn more about our ethos at Park Lane Nursery

> Learn more about our ethos at Woodlands Nursery & Forest School


3. Is anything added to the meals?

As we all know from our own diets, hidden ingredients can often turn a delicious looking meal into a health nightmare. We ensure that we never add salt to meals and we limit the use of sugar.

> Learn about our meals at Park Lane Nursery

> Learn about our meals at Woodlands Nursery & Forest School


4. What snacks are available?

Snacks are an important part of the day and we serve them mid-morning and mid-afternoon to help fuel your child’s inquisitive mind as they learn and play. These will vary each day and include items like vegetable sticks, fruit or rice cakes. To help support your child’s independence, they will self-serve their own snack and drink.

> Learn more about our staff at Park Lane Nursery

> Learn more about our staff at Woodlands Nursery & Forest School


5. How is food used to support your child's social development?

Mealtimes are fantastic opportunities to support your child’s communication skills and we treat them as social occasions. Your child will sit at a table with their friends, talking to each other but also improving their confidence and understanding of acceptable behaviour. We find that in this environment, children are also more willing to try new foods and parents are often surprised what their ‘fussy eaters’ will try when eating with their friends! 

> Learn more about pre-school at Park Lane Nursery

> Learn more about pre-school at Woodlands Nursery & Forest School

Park Lane Kids operates two nurseries in Melton Mowbray - Woodlands Nursery & Forest School (on Asfordby Road) and Park Lane Nursery (on Scalford Road). Both nurseries care for children from 6 weeks until school age. We are open all year around, Monday to Friday.

Woodlands Nursery & Forest School

Based in a beautiful wooded area, where children learn, play and grow surrounded by nature.

Fill in our enquiry form to arrange a viewing or view our virtual tour! 

Or give us a call on 01664 562 277 and we can answer any questions you may have!

Sysonby Acres Leisure Park, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HR

Park Lane Nursery

A friendly, home-from-home nursery where your child will be nurtured as they grow.

Fill in our enquiry form to arrange a viewing or view our virtual tour!

Or give us a call on 01664 567 929 and we can answer any questions you may have!

2 St John's Drive, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1JX


Return to Results