As
required by law (Food Hygiene Rating Act 2013), Little Chums is registered with the local authority, Torfaen,
as a business that produces hot meals and we positively engage with and are
inspected annually by their ‘Environmental Health’ team.
Little Chums currently hold the
highest 'Food Hygiene Rating' of ‘5’. We have also achieved an 'Elite' award which recognises consistency in that many of our previous inspections have also been rated '5'.
All members of staff, including the dedicated cook who prepares the meals daily, are trained to at least Level 2 Food Hygiene with certificates displayed in the kitchen. Refresh training for all staff is held annually, with re-certification every 3 years.
Our kitchen and dining area is clean and spacious and is used outside of mealtimes for food activities with the children.
Healthy & Nutritious
We provide a well balanced, healthy and nutritious menu that has been independently checked by Local Authority representatives.
Our menu operates on a three-week rota including a 'meat-free Monday' and is displayed in the kitchen, or is
available on request.
All of our dishes are baked, poached or boiled. We never fry anything in oil. We never add salt or sugar to any of our dishes.
We have been judged to be a 'Healthy and Sustainable Preschool' setting.
Allergy Aware
Special dietary requirements can be discussed with our dedicated Childcare Manager who will liaise with the cook to ensure such diets are strictly adhered to.
We maintain a child allergy list that is discretely displayed in the kitchen for all adults to check.
Food & Refreshments
A full day care session includes breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and afternoon tea. A
morning session includes breakfast, snack and lunch. An afternoon session includes a snack and light
tea. Our Breakfast and After School clubs provide breakfast and light tea as necessary.
Snacks consist of various fruit, stick vegetables, crackers and bread sticks. Fresh fruit and vegetables are prepared daily and rotated through the week for variety.
Where appropriate, young babies have the same food as the older children - our cook hand blends or mashes meals as necessary. Some food items that are difficult to blend, may be substituted with other suitable items. On rare occasions, such as where allergens can not be avoided, pre-prepared baby jars or pouches may be used.
Breastfeeding Friendly
We are 'breastfeeding friendly', so if you want to breastfeed, we will
provide a quiet space for you to do so.
If you express milk, we are
happy to safely store this for you and will bottle feed your child
as required.