Nursery lunch film launched
A film informing parents and providers how funded nursery lunches work has been launched by Moray Council.
From August 2020 children in an early learning and childcare (ELC) setting over lunchtime are entitled to a meal funded by the Scottish Government. In Moray this is in the form of lunch, usually a hot meal, served in the nursery.
The film uses Seafield Nursery and has been developed at the request of parents to learn more about how lunch is served in a nursery, it will also assist providers who are introducing the serving of lunches to their setting.
Funded lunches have been trialled over the pilot period of the ELC expansion in Moray, which will result in all three and four year olds, and eligible two year olds, receiving 1140 hours of funded ELC a year from August 2020.
Seafield Nursery Manager, Rachel Main, commented on the lunches: “We introduced lunches to our day in August 2018 and are lucky to observe on a daily basis the benefits this brings. The children have developed confidence when using cutlery and are independent throughout. The happy, relaxed atmosphere supports the development of social skills and our children enjoy sitting and communicating together during lunchtime. We’ve also had great feedback from parents who say their children are now willing to try different foods at home. This film gives an insight into our lunchtime and I’m sure parents can see how much the children enjoy this time at nursery.”
Chair of Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Cllr Sonya Warren added: “A key criteria in the Scottish Government National Standard for ELC providers is ensuring every child has access to healthy meals and snacks while accessing their funded hours. It’s vital that children are exposed to positive eating habits at an early age, paving the way for good health and closing the attainment gap by giving every child an equal chance to succeed. We hope this film gives parents an insight into nursery lunchtime and they see how smoothly it runs.”
Find the film online: https://youtu.be/WBTJK6A-f8s
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.