Early Years Menu Review

Plan Menus to Meet the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance

Nursery Manager Planning the Nursery Menu

Making a real impact

Early Start Nutrition review nursery and childminder menus to ensure they fully meet the mandatory EYFS Nutrition Guidance. Let's take a look at our achievements

Children Are Receiving Meals that are Healthy, Balanced and Nutritious

Post Menu Review Settings Meet 100% of the EYFS Nutrition Guidance

Nursery practitioner with child at meal time

The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (opens in new tab), September 2025, sets a mandatory requirement, that “Where children are provided with meals, snacks, and drinks, these MUST be healthy, balanced and nutritious (3.62)”.

To fulfill the food and drink requirement, providers MUST have regard to the NEW Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance (opens in new tab), September 2025, published by the Department for Education.

This means providers MUST take this guidance into account and should follow it, unless there is a good reason not to.

If registered Early Years providers do not meet the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and cannot provide a valid reason, Ofsted inspectors may take enforcement action.

Looking to Review your Early Years Menu?

Work with our team of expert Registered Nutritionists who will provide a comprehensive review of your menus and support you to meet the EYFS Nutrition Guidance.

Highlight that you provide nutritious meals and snacks and reflect dietary and cultural requirements
Receive tips and recommendations on the design of your menu to make them easy for staff and families to follow
Add our 'Menu Approved' logo to your menus and settings publicity
Showcase to families that you work hard to put nutrition at the heart of your practice, which is a priority for many families when choosing childcare.

Our support is FREE for London Borough of Newham early years settings. For settings not based in the London Borough of Newham, please contact the team to discuss your requirements.

Complete our Early Years Menu Provision Form Here!

Watch the video below to learn more about our Menu Review Support

What's Involved in the Menu Review Process?

Menu Approval Settings

Testimonials

Menu Review Service

Kulsuma Khanum, Manager at Head Start Education Centre

"We would recommend the menu review support from the Early Start Nutritionists. The training and support were clear, practical and tailored to our setting. It supported us strengthen the nutritional quality of our menus. The support improved staff confidence, ensured we meet the EYFS Nutrition Guidance and ultimately will enhance the food experience for children and families."

Menu Review Support

Karrien Stevens, Director at Little Diamonds Ltd

"Having our menus checked in line with the EYFS Nutrition Guidance has a positive impact for the children, families and staff. the meals we offer are healthy, balanced, and support the children’s growth and energy throughout the day. Our Families feel reassured that their children are eating well and often pick up new ideas for healthy meals at home. The main updates we’ve made to our menus include adding a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains to make meals more balanced and appealing. We continue to make sure to include dishes that reflect different cultures and dietary needs, helping all children feel included."

Menu Planning training

You can also book our Menu Planning Training (opens in new tab) to build your confidence in planning meals and snacks to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance.