Food

We serve home-cooked meals prepared fresh daily in our own kitchen by a dedicated nursery cook. Children receive a balanced menu of meals and snacks throughout the day, typically including breakfast, a hot lunch, light tea (evening meal), and healthy snacks. While specific menus rotate seasonally, meals are designed to be nutritious and child-friendly. For example, lunches often feature a main course with a protein (meat, fish or vegetarian alternative) accompanied by vegetables or salad. Fresh vegetables are served alongside the main dish to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age. Desserts, when offered, are usually simple and healthy (such as fruit or yogurt). Drinks are limited to milk or water – no sugary juices – in order to promote good dental health. This means children only drink milk or water at nursery, a practice which helps protect their teeth and instill healthy habits.

We strive to keep menus interesting and varied. Cooks regularly introduce new recipes to broaden children’s food experiences. Over a typical week, children might enjoy dishes such as pasta bakes, casseroles, roast dinners with vegetables, homemade soups, and other family-style meals (all prepared with no added salt or minimal sugar, in line with infant nutrition guidelines). Meals are tailored to be age-appropriate in texture and portion. For example, pureed or softer versions for babies, and small manageable pieces for toddlers.

The emphasis is on wholesome, “from scratch” cooking. No processed ready-meals, but rather simple, hearty recipes that introduce a range of flavors. Children enjoy and benefit from these home-cooked, nutritious meals, and develop good social skills by sitting together during mealtimes. Nursery staff often sit and eat with the children, making mealtimes a relaxed, social learning experience and modeling good eating habits.

Mon Ami nurseries are committed to high-quality ingredients, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. According to the nursery, each cook sources fresh, local or even home-grown produce whenever possible for the children’s meals. This means produce may come from local Lincolnshire suppliers or even from the nursery’s own garden. We also occassionally grow herbs and vegetables which are then incorporated into the menu when available, giving children a full farm-to-fork experience in understanding where food comes from.

Where possible, ingredients are organic or otherwise high quality. We always aim to use organic products. This can include items like organic milk and dairy and seasonal organic vegetables when they can be sourced. All meat and poultry are likely sourced from reputable suppliers and prepared fresh on site. We never serve any fried fast foods or overly processed items. Menus are designed to be nutritious and varied, exposing children to a range of tastes. The cooks take pride in using quality ingredients, ensuring that children’s meals are both healthy and flavorful.

Each Mon Ami nursery is well prepared to meet special dietary needs. Staff and cooks cater for all diets on request, including allergies, intolerances, and cultural or religious requirements. Suitable alternatives are provided for children with dairy or gluten intolerances, and vegetarians or vegans are offered appropriate substitutes.

Parents share any dietary restrictions, and nurseries ensure the relevant ingredients are omitted or replaced. Cooks have a strong awareness of dietary needs and allergies, and all staff follow strict procedures to avoid cross-contamination.

We operate a strict nut-free policy across all sites. No nut products are allowed, including in packed items, ensuring the safety of children with severe allergies. All meals and snacks are nut-free.

Any allergens are carefully tracked, emergency procedures are in place, and staff are trained to recognise allergic reactions. Meal ingredients are clearly recorded, and nursery cooks hold food hygiene certificates and are trained in children’s nutrition and allergen-free preparation.

Staff are briefed on individual children’s needs, often with photos and details displayed in food preparation areas. Meal plans are adapted so every child receives a safe and inclusive dining experience. If a child cannot have a particular item, a similar alternative is offered so no one feels left out. This inclusive approach has been praised in inspections.

We have also completed a comprehensive food audit under the Government’s “Eat Better, Start Better” initiative. Eat Better, Start Better is a UK guideline program for early years settings to plan balanced and healthy menus. This audit reviews portion sizes, food groups, and menu variety to ensure they meet stringent standards for under-5 nutrition. Our compliance demonstrates our commitment to not just meeting but exceeding typical expectations for nursery food.

The nurseries don’t just feed children well, they also teach children about healthy food. Staff involve children in food-related activities, such as growing vegetables or herbs and simple cooking/baking projects. This hands-on approach helps kids develop an early understanding of ingredients and encourages them to try new foods they helped prepare. Children might help mix batter for a healthy banana muffin, or pick vegetables from the garden to be used in lunch. These experiences make them more enthusiastic about eating nutritious food.

All three Mon Ami nursery locations maintain excellent food hygiene standards, as evidenced by their official Food Hygiene Rating scores. Each site has achieved the maximum 5-star rating (“Very Good”) in inspections by the local authorities. These ratings are the highest possible in the UK’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

“As a parent you have complete confidence in the wellbeing of your child and know that your child is loved, nurtured, educated, healthy and happy.”

“you have complete confidence in the wellbeing of your child”

“She does many fun and educational activites and loves the home cooked food too. 100% reccomend this place 😀”