Exeter Children’s Nursery
Nutrition & Food
Many children are in nursery for a whole day, so it is very important that the food they receive is nutritious, balanced and varied. It is also vital that it fuels their developmental needs and meets any dietary requirements they might have.
The At Muddy Boots, we believe that mealtimes should be healthy, enjoyable, and full of flavour. That’s why we work with trusted local catering partners who specialise in providing nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meals for young children.
Muddy Boots at the Market and Muddy Boots at the Bungalow are catered for by YumYumMe, a Plymouth-based business that provides fresh, seasonal meals using wholesome, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. At Muddy Boots at the Farm, we partner with Fresha, another highly regarded local provider known for their nutritious, child-friendly menus made from scratch using quality produce.
No matter which nursery your child attends, you can be confident they’ll receive delicious, well-balanced meals every day – fueling their growth, development, and energy for learning and play.
Allergies, food sensitivities and other special dietary requirements
As part of our induction process, we will ask whether your child has any specific dietary requirements due to medical conditions, allergies, intolerances, cultural or religious beliefs, or whether they follow a particular diet such as vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian. If they do, we will notify our team and the relevant catering provider (YumYumMe or Fresha), who will ensure that food is prepared safely and appropriately, often in a separate area to avoid cross-contamination.
In line with our Food and Drink Sensitivity & Allergy Policy, children with special dietary requirements are always served first to maintain strict food safety measures and give parents peace of mind.
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Mealtimes
- 8-9am: Breakfast
- 10:30am: Snack
- 12pm: Lunch
- 3:30pm: Tea
We follow guidance from the NHS and the Department of Health on preparing and storing formula. If your child has formula milk, please speak to your Nursery Manager to get the most up-to-date information.
In close consultation with parents/carers, we provide babies with pureed fruit, vegetables, and meals when they are ready to be weaned.
For health and safety reasons, we cannot serve homemade food, though we accept sealed baby food jars and yoghurts. Our nursery manager is happy to discuss specific dietary needs or preferences in detail with you to ensure your child’s requirements are met.
Children who start before 8.30 a.m. are offered a choice of breakfast items such as cereal, toast, muffins, or pancakes, with a variety of toppings and a drink of milk. Snack times include a range of options like fruit, vegetables, biscuits, breads, or dips. Lunch includes a hot meal and a dessert, while afternoon tea is a lighter meal.
Menus are displayed on parent notice boards, and meals are enjoyed as a social event among the children and staff.
We encourage age-appropriate independence during mealtimes, so children will help to set the table, they also use cutlery, cut up their own food, pour their own drinks, and clean their plates after they have eaten.
We also encourage social communication and age-appropriate behaviour during mealtimes, with staff modelling what we expect to see and hear.
Staff are also always present for health and safety reasons, as well as to assist the children with eating and drinking.
The cost of all meals and snacks is included in the nursery fee.
