Healthy food as a building block for development
Healthy food contains the right nutrients, also known as building blocks, that are important for your child's resistance, growth and development. Playing and learning require a lot of energy - which is why we provide nutritious meals and snacks. All day long!
Did you know that many children do not eat enough fruit and vegetables at home? We like to help by offering extra fruit and vegetables at childcare - at every meal time!
Children's flavour development: tasting and getting used to it
Flavour development is a process. Many children need to taste as many as ten times before they get used to a new flavour. This requires patience - also from you as a parent! We support this process through play. We do this by positively encouraging children and setting a good example. Is your child not hungry? No problem. We'll just try again later.
Eating according to the Disk of Five
At Partou, we eat according to the Nutrition Centre's (Voedingscentrum) guidelines (the Disk of Five). This means that we:
- limit sugar, salt and saturated fat
- choose whole-grain products, fresh vegetables and fruit every day
- provide water (with fresh fruit) and (herbal) tea as thirst quenchers
- encourage healthy and varied eating - even at parties!
Think yoghurt with fruit as a snack, a whole-grain sandwich with dairy spread and cucumber, or a hot meal with fresh vegetables for lunch. In between, children get tasty pieces of fruit and vegetables in all the colours of the rainbow.
Our menu, which you can find in the nutrition guides at our locations, shows what we eat and drink in the group. We have a nutrition guide for children aged 0-1, 1-4 and 4-12. The traffic light system shows how often we offer something. Daily, weekly, only at parties or not at all.
For more information on the Disk of Five, visit the Nutrition Centre's website.
Eating together is discovering together
At Partou, eating is not only nutritious and tasty, but also sociable and instructive. A connection is created at the table. Children eat together with their friends and the pedagogical staff, who set a good example.
We talk to children about the smell, colour and taste of food, and where it comes from. This is how we turn every meal into a little voyage of discovery!
Seeing others eat, makes children eat too
Children often eat more easily in groups than at home. If they see others tasting something, they are more likely to join in. That is why we organise the annual Taste Safari for toddlers and the Taste Expedition for after school care. During these activities, they playfully discover new vegetables!
Fruit and vegetables in all colours
We give children fruit and vegetables in all colours of the rainbow. This way, we not only provide more variety, but they also get different vitamins, minerals and bioactive
substances. Because did you know that each colour has something unique to offer? By alternating daily and weekly, children learn to know and appreciate different tastes.
Fruit and vegetables of the season
Wherever possible, we choose seasonal fruit and vegetables. They are often fresher, more affordable and more sustainable. Seasonal products usually come from the region and therefore do not have to travel as far - good for the environment and for variety on the plate!
Healthy treats and parties
We also celebrate parties healthily at Partou.
- At the nursery, children are allowed to treat. We ask parents to choose healthy alternatives, such as fruit skewers or small whole-wheat snacks.
- No treats are given at the after school care, as children often already receive a treat at school or sports. But of course we do put birthday children in the spotlights - for example with a dance, a song or a joint festive fruit or vegetable snack!
In this way, we also encourage a healthy lifestyle during festive moments.
Together with you: partner in upbringing
We find it important that our approach fits in with what you do at home. That is why we coordinate with you. For example, we discuss whether your child has special eating habits or allergies. In parent meetings, we share tips and inspiration for healthy lunchboxes and treats. In this way, we work together on the best start for your child.
Come and experience the atmosphere
Is your child not at Partou yet? Then come and experience the atmosphere! Plan a tour at a Partou location near you.