We ask that the children wear simple clothing they can cope with themselves. Each child is able to choose a peg, and we ask that they come with a change of clothes, wellington boots if the garden is wet, and if they are staying for lunch that the children bring a toothbrush and toothpaste (optional).

When the children arrive they each have a name card that will help them to identify their names.

A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly, so it is important for parents and pre-school staff to work together to help the child to feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children and parents should not feel worried if their child takes a while to settle. We do ask that a parent or carer stay with the child on their first session as this helps the child to integrate more quickly and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and become familiar with the routine.

Once your child is old enough or able to stay to lunch, we request that parents support us in our healthy eating aims when providing packed lunches for their children as follows:

- Food should be packed in a suitable and secure container, with their child’s name on it. All food items must not exceed the ‘Use by’ date.

- Drinks should be in an unbreakable container with their child’s name on it.
- Aim for a healthy balance between food types.
- Avoid foods with high levels of artificial additives such as colourings or sweeteners as children can be highly sensitive to these. Such additives can severely affect their behaviour.
- Sweets, crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks should not be included.
- Avoid any foods with nut content as children with a severe allergy to nuts can suffer extreme reactions even through indirect contact.
- Fruit or vegetables and dairy snacks are encouraged.

Any uneaten food will be left in the children’s lunch boxes so parents know exactly what and how much their child has eaten.

We are of course conscious of parental choice and where possible will comply with parents’ wishes regarding the above.

For information on what makes a healthy, balanced lunch box visit Eat Better Start Better 

For ideas on what to include in a packed lunch visit Children's Food Trust or Good To Know

During the day, the children are served with a morning and afternoon snack.

Snacks are usually made up of a drink, a piece of fruit/vegetable and bread/cracker. Typical foods used are apples, bananas, oranges, satsumas, pinapple, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, humus, toast, crackers and honey.  We do not serve fruit juices, but offer milk or water instead.