At Back to the Garden Childcare, we understand that nourishing young minds starts with nourishing their bodies. Nutrition is a cornerstone of early childhood development, laying the groundwork for healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The food we provide directly impacts children’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive, influencing everything from their brain development to their energy levels and overall well-being.
Why Nutrition Matters in the Early Years
The early years are a time of rapid growth, and providing balanced, nutrient-rich meals is vital for:
Brain Development: During these formative years, the brain grows more rapidly than at any other time in life. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin D are critical for cognitive development and learning.
Building Strong Immunity: A well-balanced diet strengthens the immune system, helping to protect children from illnesses and infections during these crucial years.
Establishing Healthy Habits: Early exposure to a variety of nutritious foods helps children develop a preference for healthy options, establishing good eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Physical Growth and Strength: Essential nutrients support the physical development of bones, muscles, and organs, allowing children to grow strong and healthy.
At Back to the Garden Childcare, we make it a priority to provide wholesome, balanced, and freshly prepared meals and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of every child. We recognise the importance of nutrient-dense meals that fuel children’s active, curious minds and bodies, ensuring they have the energy and focus they need for their daily explorations.
Erszi, Our Nursery Chef
At our Lymm setting, we are fortunate to have the incredible Erszi leading our kitchen. With a deep-rooted passion for cooking and child nutrition, Erszi prepares fresh, wholesome meals every day that delight the children and meet their nutritional needs.
Growing up on a farm in Hungary, where her family cooked with seasonal, local produce, Erszi developed a love for fresh ingredients and homemade meals. She brings that same philosophy into our nursery kitchen, prioritising fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Her menus introduce a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, ensuring that the children enjoy a rich, balanced diet with plenty of flavors and textures.
A unique aspect of Erszi’s background is her experience as a preschool practitioner before becoming a chef. She understands the nuances of working with young children and is passionate about providing them with the best possible nutrition. This connection with the children shines through in everything she does, from creating special meals to encouraging positive attitudes around food.
The children adore visiting her in the kitchen to see the food being prepared and love helping with simple tasks like collecting the food trolleys and returning empty plates. These small interactions build a sense of family and community, and the children enjoy a family-style dining experience where they pour water for each other and share the food together. Before every meal, they also engage in a mantra, promoting mindfulness and gratitude for their meal.
Check out this behind-the-scenes reel of Erszi in action, preparing a colourful and nutritious snack that the children couldn’t wait to dig into! In the reel, Erszi shares some fun facts about herself, including how she speaks three languages and her journey from preschool practitioner to nursery chef.
How We Involve Children in Mealtime
At Back to the Garden, we also believe in empowering children by teaching them where their food comes from and how it’s prepared. Whether they’re planting herbs in our garden, learning about the fruits and vegetables they eat, or participating in simple food preparation tasks, children are encouraged to take part in the process. These activities foster a positive relationship with food and help children develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
By involving children in mealtimes and making nutrition a joyful, shared experience, we are helping to nurture healthy bodies and curious minds.
Find the Recipe reel here (coming soon)
Find our Nutrition reel here (coming soon)
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