Two Riverside children enjoying a cooking activity

Food & nutrition

Good food, shared together.

Healthy, balanced meals help busy children feel ready to play, learn and grow—and shared mealtimes are part of nursery life.

Our food philosophy

Positive habits begin early.

We want children to experience food as something sociable, varied and enjoyable.

Meals and snacks are planned to offer balance across the day, with familiar foods alongside opportunities to discover new tastes and textures. Staff sit with children, support growing independence and keep the atmosphere relaxed.

Food also becomes a rich learning material: mixing, measuring, talking about ingredients and noticing change bring science, maths and language naturally into the day.

A Riverside baby taking part in a baking activity

Little hands, big discoveries

What families can expect

Thoughtful from breakfast to tea.

A full day includes breakfast, lunch and tea. Ofsted noted that children at Riverside receive a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Breakfast, lunch and tea on a full day
  • Healthy, balanced meals
  • Calm, sociable mealtimes
  • Support for growing independence
  • Cooking and baking experiences
  • Dietary needs discussed with families

HENRY at Riverside

Healthy habits grow through everyday moments.

Riverside has begun using HENRY’s holistic, family-centred approach to support a healthy, happy start in life.

It brings together practical ideas around healthy eating, active play, emotional wellbeing, parenting and everyday family routines. The emphasis is supportive and realistic: recognising that every family is different and that small, positive changes can make a meaningful difference.

Explore HENRY for families
  • 01
    Healthy eating

    Positive food experiences, practical ideas and a relaxed approach to developing healthy family habits.

  • 02
    Active play

    Making movement enjoyable and achievable through play, outdoor experiences and everyday routines.

  • 03
    Wellbeing and family life

    A strengths-based approach to emotional wellbeing, parenting confidence and routines that work for each family.

Allergies & dietary needs

Every child considered.

Please talk to us about allergies, intolerances, cultural requirements, weaning and any support your child needs around food before they start.

We will explain how current menus and kitchen procedures can meet your child’s individual needs. Because dietary arrangements are personal and can change, these are always agreed directly with the family rather than assumed online.

Talk to the team