Skip to content ↓

Hot Lunches and Packed Lunches

Healthy Eating at Emneth Nursery School

We believe that healthy eating is an important part of your child’s development. At Emneth Nursery School, we encourage balanced, nutritious meals and snacks that support growth, energy, and learning. By introducing healthy habits early, we help children build a foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

Hot Lunches

The children are served a range of healthy meals which are nutritionally balanced and in line with current guidance. These are supplied by Aspens and cooked to order from Emneth Academy.  For those children who have dietary requirements Aspens require confirmation of this from your GP and dietician and can then make changes to any of the meals to meet the needs of your child. Menus change seasonally and children also have the option of a packed lunch which is also prepared in the kitchen at Emneth Academy.

Lunch Club

You can bring a packed lunch for free or we can provide a hot dinner at a cost of £2.40. Please see the office for more information.

School Food Standards
Additional reading linked to School Nutrition        

Packed Lunches

Please ensure that packed lunches for your child are healthy and include appropriate portion sizes. Balanced meals support healthy growth, prevent overeating, and help children develop good eating habits early on. Providing the right portions ensures they receive the nutrients they need without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Reasons for Appropriate Portions

  • Supports growth and development Young children need the right balance of nutrients to fuel their bodies and brains. Proper portion sizes help them get enough energy without excess.
  • Prevents overfeeding and obesity risks Research shows many parents unintentionally serve adult-sized portions, which can contribute to childhood obesity, diabetes, and other health issues later in life.
  • Encourages healthy eating habits Early years are formative. Giving manageable portions helps children learn to recognise hunger and fullness cues, setting the stage for lifelong healthy eating.
  • Avoids overwhelming children Too much food in a lunchbox can look daunting, discouraging children from eating at all. Smaller, age-appropriate portions make meals more inviting.
  • Ensures variety and balance Portion control allows parents to include foods from all the main groups (starchy foods, protein, fruit/veg, dairy) without overloading on one type.

Practical Guidance for Parents

  • Follow age-appropriate portion sizes: For example, 1–2 slices of bread, a small piece of fruit, or a child-sized handful of pasta.
  • Think “child-sized” not “adult-sized”: A toddler’s portion is often about half of what an adult would eat.
  • Include variety across the week: Rotate foods to cover all vitamins and minerals.
  • Be led by the child’s appetite: Some days they’ll eat more, some less. Watch for signs they’re full.
  • Using lunch boxes with separate compartments: It can help manage portion sizes and encourage balanced meals.

In short, appropriate portions in nursery lunchboxes help children thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. They learn to enjoy food, eat independently, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Helpful Resources

Healthy Eating | Safety and Prevention - Child 1 to 5 years | Healthier Together

Nutrition for toddlers and pre-schoolers

Eating well early years — First Steps Nutrition Trust

Good food choices and portion sizes for 1-4 year olds /_site/data/files/users/3434ACE9320D502094578887A6E71B67.pdf

Eating well: Packed lunches for 1 to under-5 year olds /_site/data/files/users/DCBDE58EA73303D5DFA3B1D672615A18.pdf