The document provides guidance for staff at a nursery on ensuring a nut-free environment and accommodating any food allergies or dietary restrictions that children may have. It emphasizes the importance of good nutrition in early childhood for healthy growth and development. Snacks should be nutritious and limited in sugar, with suggestions like vegetables, fruits, breads, crackers, yogurt and milk. Certain foods high in sugar are not recommended as they can harm teeth. Birthdays and special events should also consider dietary needs and restrictions.

1. Nut allergies
Staff should ensure that all notices / information, stating
that the nursery is a nut free zone should be clearly
visible for parents / carers and visitors.
This information also applies for any other significant
allergies that children may have.
Further information is available from
nutritional guidance for early years, (Scottish
Executive2006).
Adventures in Foodland, (NHS Health Scotland).
Food Standards Agency: www.food.gov.uk
National Care Standards - Early Education and Childcare
up to the age of 16 - Scottish Commission for the Regulation
of Care. (Care Commission): www.carecommission.com
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Other Formats
This document can be provided in large print, Braille or on audio
cassettes and can be translated into other community languages.
Contact the Public Affairs Unit at: East Dunbartonshire Council, Tom
Johnston House, Civic Way, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 4TJ.
Tel: 0141 578 8152.

2. Good nutrition in the early years is vital. Children’s early
experiences of food play an important part in shaping later
eating habits, and good eating habits support healthy
growth and development.
Giving positive messages about food in
the early years setting will also help to
stress the importance of a good diet to
children’s families. nutritional guidance
for early years, (Scottish Executive
2006).
Improving Health in Scotland: The
Challenge identified Early Years as a priority area of focus
for health improvement work in Scotland. This includes
nutrition in the early years. Adventures in Foodland,
(NHS Health Scotland).
National Care Standards – Early Education and Childcare
up to the age of 16; Health and Wellbeing Standard 3;
Each child or young person will be nurtured by staff who
will promote his or her general wellbeing, health, nutrition
and safety.
“Children and young people have access to a well-balanced
and healthy diet (where food is provided) which takes
account of ethnic, cultural and dietary requirements,
including food allergies. Staff make sure that help with
feeding is given in a way that best meets the needs of the
child or young person.”
Children’s Snack Time
Children need a varied diet to ensure that they get all the
nutrients they require for growth and development. Snacks
should be nutritious and free from added sugar and salt to
prevent tooth decay.
Foods containing sugar should be kept to a minimum and
are best given at meal times.
Suggestions for nutritious snacks
• Bread sticks – on their own or with a dip or soft cheese.
• Crackers, crispbreads, rice cakes, plain popcorn, melba
toast, muffins, plain potato or cheese scones, crumpets,
pancakes, plain or with sunflower or olive oil spread.
• Cubes or slices of apple, pear, banana, kiwi, satsuma,
melon, orange, strawberries, sliced grapes, peaches, plums and
pineapple.
• Raw vegetables: cucumber, carrot, celery, sliced cherry
tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, red cabbage, radish, courgette and
turnip.
• Toast, breads, baps, French bread, rolls, pitta bread
pockets or small sandwiches with small amounts of sunflower
or olive oil spread, cheese, banana, marmite, tuna, salad,
fillings of meat (lean ham, turkey, chicken or beef)
• Low sugar breakfast cereal.
• Yogurt, fromage frais, on its own or as a dip with fruit/
vegetables.
• Slices of homemade pizza, cheese straws.
• Water and plain milk (no added flavourings) should only
be offered at snack.
• Full cream milk should only be offered to children
aged 0-2 years. Semi skimmed milk should be offered to
children aged 3-5 years.
Further information on nutritious snacks can be found in
nutritional guidance for early years (Scottish Executive 2006).
Note
There are some snack foods that can be harmful to children’s
teeth if they are eaten frequently.
• Jam or chocolate spread.
• Sugary desserts.
• Sweets
• Chocolate confectionary.
• Highly sweetened cereals.
• Raisins should only be offered once per week.
• Biscuits, cream filled, chocolate, digestive and plain.
• Crackers should be offered to children instead of
biscuits
• Soft drinks.
These foods are low in nutrient value and should not be eaten
in early years centres. If they must be given to children, they
should be eaten at meal times only.
Dried fruit can be harmful to children’s teeth as it
contains natural sugar and sticks to the teeth. Dried fruit
should only be given once per week.
Birthdays and Special Occasions:
• The nursery or parent may provide a small plain shop
bought sponge cake.
• In the interest of health and safety party bags will not be
handed out to children/parents by staff.
Children should be encouraged to taste ‘new food’ when
celebrating seasons and festivals.
Children with food allergies, food intolerances, additional
support needs and religious faiths and beliefs special dietary
requirements should be discussed with staff when the child is
registered at the nursery.
Staff should discuss with parents/carers exactly what their
child is allowed to eat.