Nourishing Young Minds: The Path to Health at The Leighs Nursery Group
Promoting Healthy Lunchboxes for Happy Kids
At The Leighs Nursery Group, we believe that a healthy diet is a cornerstone of development for young children. That's why we promote the importance of healthy lunchboxes, filled with nutritious choices that energize and engage little learners throughout their day. Our educators work closely with parents to provide resources and ideas for making colourful, balanced meals that are not only good for your child but also delicious! We encourage families to explore our curated list of external websites that provide tips on healthy eating, meal planning, and fun recipes for kids. Let’s work together to cultivate a love for healthy food that will last a lifetime!
Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years) - NHS
Healthy Lunchbox Guide
Here is our guide to a healthy lunchbox
🧃 General Principles
- Balanced & Nutritious: Include all 4 food groups—fruits/vegetables, starchy foods, protein, and dairy.
- No Nuts Allowed: Due to allergy risks, avoid nuts, nut butters, and foods containing nuts.
- Safe & Age-Appropriate: Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, popcorn, and large chunks of food. Cut grapes lengthwise.
- Hydration: Pack a reusable water bottle. Milk is available at nursery.
🥗 What to Include
Food Group Examples Notes
🥖 Starchy Foods Wholemeal bread, wraps, pasta, rice Base of the meal
🍗 Protein Chicken strips, boiled eggs, hummus Avoid processed meats
🥕 Fruit & Veg Sliced cucumber, carrot sticks, berries Aim for variety and colour
🧀 Dairy Cheese cubes, yoghurt (low sugar) Use spoons for easy eating
🚫 What to Avoid
- ❌ Sweets, chocolate bars, fizzy drinks
- ❌ Crisps or fried snacks
- ❌ Nut-containing products
- ❌ Choking hazards (whole grapes, hard raw carrots, etc.)
🧊 Packing Tips
- Use insulated lunch bags with ice packs to keep food fresh.
- Label all containers and lunchboxes with your child’s name.
- Use easy-to-open containers to promote independence
🧠 Why It Matters
Healthy lunches help children:
- Stay focused and energetic
- Develop lifelong eating habits
- Reduce risks of obesity, tooth decay, and behavioural issues
Any questions, please ask a member of staff