Work Matters: Practical Management - Learning in the kitchen

Daisy Chain Childcare's nursery in Rotherham, Yorkshire, recently won praise from Ofsted for the way in which it makes mealtimes a social occasion and serves 'freshly prepared wholesome and nutritious food and drink'.

The nursery benefits from an excellent, qualified cook and has a carefully thought-out approach to meeting the 'food and drink' welfare requirements under the EYFS.

Manager Emma Battersby says the preparation of food is integral to children's learning, and nursery cook Rosemary Gibson is an important part of everyday nursery life. Fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased from a market stall holder on Monday and fresh meat is bought from the local supermarket. All meals are cooked each morning on the premises.

'At this time of year we use the pumpkins we have grown in the garden for soup and make our own bread rolls,' says Emma. 'The children know Rosemary well and often take food from the garden to her. She is also a qualified nursery nurse and will do activities with them. For example, the children enjoy unloading plates from the trolley and putting them in the dishwasher, counting them as they go.'

Some of the most popular options on the menu are chilli with garlic bread, chicken and Yorkshire pudding, and the children enjoy homemade sponge cake with custard and fruit on top.

'For children's birthdays we prefer to make our own birthday cake, as Rosemary can ensure it meets any special dietary needs. We have vegetarian children in the nursery and some with food allergies,' says Ms Battersby.

Organic milk and water are served throughout the day and fruit juice is only available at breakfast. Children in the toddler room and pre-school room sit together for meals. Pre-school children help themselves from tureens and exercise choice over what they eat - although they are especially encouraged to eat vegetables. Ms Battersby says that for younger children, the nursery works closely with parents in determining to what extent food is liquidised, mashed or eaten whole.

'Our kitchen is well equipped. We have two cookers and two hobs and one dishwasher. We also have a microwave, but we don't use it that often. We have a massive larder fridge and a separate fridge freezer.'

Earlier this year the nursery was awarded Rotherham Borough Council's Quality in Action accreditation, a kitemark that reflects its high standards of practice.

Ms Battersby says, 'We have been working towards this for three-and-a-half years. It is an in-depth process, that will be ongoing.'