Welcome to
Dinner Time
Lunch time at Bellevue nursery is a time when all the children socialise and make meal time fun. Unfortunately for many families, eating dinner together has become a thing of the past. Making meal time a good traditional gathering can only increase our children’s knowledge on what we eat and why. The facts are on the table: eating dinner together every day keeps the doors of communication open. It’s the perfect time and place to reconnect and to encourage our children to try different food textures and tastes. Sitting across the table with their friends chatting about their likes, dislikes, has a big impact.

Setting the table
The children are actively involved in the setting up, serving and clearing of the dining room. Each child chooses a five a day placemat with their job of the day, from setting the table, giving out cutlery, washing dishes and table decorations. The children love this part of the day and it encourages teamwork, independence and gives the children a great feeling of self worth achievement and responsibility.
Crockery
We use china crockery and stainless steel cutlery to allow
the children to experience traditional fine dining. This
also promotes independence and fine motor skills
co-ordination. In promoting children’s choice we encourage
our children to serve themselves this has certainly improved
on their intake of vegetables.

Promoting Good manners
Washing hands before and after meals.

The children are all encouraged to use their knife and fork correctly. Knife to cut with and fork to put the food in to their mouths.

The children are encouraged to say please, thank you and you’re welcome when speaking to their friends and staff.

The children are encouraged not grab everything they want first and to help others to get their food and be prepared to share.

Our meal times have been used by the local education authority to use as training material for other settings.

In 2006 and 2010 we gained the Early years Healthy Living award.