Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing
At SPLAT, health, nutrition and wellbeing are not just priorities, they are at the very heart of everything we do. We believe that well-fed, well-rested, and well-cared-for children thrive. When their basic needs are met, behaviours are calmer, learning is deeper, and happiness flows naturally throughout their day.
Healthy Habits for Life
We are upfront with families: nurseries are busy environments where common childhood illnesses and bugs can circulate, and since the pandemic this has become even more noticeable. While we fully understand the challenges this creates for working parents, we uphold our sickness and exclusion policies carefully to protect all children, families, and our practitioners.
We approach health concerns with balance, not rushing to label or overreact, but equally not overlooking signs that may require attention. Our duty of care is to keep every child safe and well, while also supporting our staff to remain healthy so they can continue providing the high-quality service we are proud of.
We encourage parents to vaccinate their children in line with the NHS schedule (or their chosen alternative) and ask for clear communication about any differences. This helps us safeguard every child and maintain a healthy nursery community.
Healthy routines are woven into daily life at SPLAT. Children brush their teeth once a day to establish strong oral hygiene habits and learn about dental care through stories, activities, and practical experiences. Hand hygiene is also prioritised: while we embrace mud, mess, and outdoor play, children are supported to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals and after toileting. Our baby room staff sterilise mouthing toys, all rooms are cleaned daily by our in-house cleaner, and staff carry out additional cleaning throughout the day. When bugs are about, we increase cleaning and handwashing routines immediately, with tissue stations available to encourage independence in nose wiping.
Toileting is always child-led. Nappies are changed every 2–3 hours (or sooner if needed) in a respectful, child-focused way. When a child is ready for potty training, we work closely with families to support a positive, stress-free transition, with staff guiding children at their own pace.
Nutrition That Nurtures
We proudly maintain a 5★ Food Hygiene Rating with consistently positive feedback from inspectors. Every meal is freshly prepared onsite by our experienced chef, who creates menus in-house with input from both children and families. A variety of textures and tastes are introduced to encourage adventurous palates, while locally sourced meats, minimal preservatives, and seasonal produce support both children’s health and sustainability.
Meal times are much more than eating; they are moments to learn, connect, and grow. Children explore foods from around the world, develop social skills at the table, and build lifelong healthy habits. Wherever possible, they are involved in growing ingredients, preparing food, and developing a genuine love for meals. For babies, we respect each family’s feeding preferences, from breast to bottle, weaning to solids, and adapt textures and presentation (purée, soft sticks, batons) without compromising on quality or balance.
All staff receive training in allergy awareness, food hygiene, and nutrition. Children with allergies or intolerances have personalised care plans, created and reviewed in partnership with parents, ensuring their needs are met with diligence and consistency. From day one, families can feel confident that their child’s well-being is in safe hands.
Wellbeing at the Heart
At SPLAT, we believe that nature is medicine, and it is at the core of what we do. Being outside is one of our greatest strengths. Time spent in the forest, by the lakes, or in the garden supports both mental and physical health for children and adults alike. Outdoor play builds resilience, emotional regulation, and physical wellbeing, while giving children the freedom to breathe, explore, and simply be themselves.
Wellbeing is also woven into daily life indoors. Weekly yoga sessions, tranquil rooms and surroundings, nourishing home-cooked meals, and regular opportunities for rest ensure every child’s mind and body can thrive. By understanding each child’s individual needs, we create a balance that supports growth, confidence, and happiness.
Happy, calm children thrive.
Happy, calmer practitioners provide the very best care.
Confident, happy parents feel reassured and supported.