OFSTED: GOOD
At Wells House, we believe that healthy eating habits established in the early years lay the foundation for lifelong wellbeing. Our approach to food and nutrition is informed by current UK Government guidance, including the Eat Better Start Better programme, and aligns with Ofsted’s expectations for promoting health and wellbeing in the early years.
We provide a varied, seasonal, and nutritionally balanced menu, which rotates over a 9-day cycle to ensure children enjoy a wide range of foods and flavours. All meals are freshly prepared on-site using high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, and non-processed foods. We aim to meet the recommended 5-a-day servings of fruit and vegetables as outlined by the NHS.
Children always have free access to drinking water throughout the day, in line with EYFS welfare requirements. Each child has a named water bottle, and our practitioners gently encourage regular hydration, particularly during physical play or warmer weather.
We also cater confidently for a variety of dietary needs, including medical, cultural, and religious requirements. Our staff are trained in food hygiene and allergy awareness, and we work closely with parents to ensure that all children’s dietary restrictions are fully respected and managed safely.
For more detailed guidance on nutrition in the early years, we refer to UK resources such as the British Nutrition Foundation and the NHS Start4Life programme.
Children who attend a full day at Wells House will be offered:
Half day session include.
All meals are designed to support children’s growth, energy, and development, following age-appropriate portion sizes and nutritional standards. We do not knowingly purchase or serve genetically modified foods.
Ofsted places high value on children’s health and well-being. In their inspections, they assess how providers:
Wells House is proud to uphold these standards, embedding healthy habits into our everyday practice in a calm, enjoyable mealtime environment
Here are some of the comments Ofsted made about Wells House Kindergarten in their latest report
The experienced and long standing management team are committed and passionate. They have high aspirations for the quality of the nursery. The management team regularly create clear targets to help them improve further.
Since the last inspection, they have forged links with local primary schools and nurseries and together they share good practice.
The environment is highly stimulating. Each area is carefully planned to capture children’s interests and to support their development. For example, older children benefit from a vast range of activities and interesting resources aimed specifically at supporting their literacy skills.
A wealth of information is exchanged between staff and parent’s. Staff offer well targeted support for parent’s to extend children’s learning at home. For example, parents are offered activities and professional advice, such as tips on promoting children’s speech. This contributes to the good progress that children make.
Staff provide a consistent approach to promoting children’s positive behaviour. For instance, staff working with very young children use picture cards to communicate positive messages, such as kind hands. Older children help to create the rules which are displayed in their room. All children’s behaviour is good in relation to their age.
Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. This is underpinned by effective policies. Consequently, children's safety and well-being is supported
The management team demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting high-quality childcare
Regular training opportunities undertaken by staff ensure qualification levels are high and they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide quality care and learning. This has had a positive impact on the learning experiences offered to children, particularly babies
