At The DEN Nursery Group, food is far more than what’s served on a plate it’s an essential part of a child’s learning journey, wellbeing, and cultural discovery. Our award‑winning Catering Manager, Kate, has once again created a Spring/Summer 2026 menu that celebrates nutritious ingredients, global flavours, and the joy of shared mealtimes.
Why nutrition matters in the early years
For many children, their meals at nursery make up a significant portion of their daily nutrition which is why we hold ourselves to standards well above minimum guidelines.
Our food approach focuses on:
- Fresh, on‑site cooking to maintain quality and maximise nutritional value
- Balanced meals prepared with wholegrains, lean proteins, and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily
- Eliminating added salt and avoiding refined sugars, using natural alternatives sparingly only when needed
- Supporting steady energy release with low‑glycaemic ingredients to promote focus and emotional regulation throughout the day
Food is not an afterthought it fuels learning, conversation, independence, and positive lifelong habits.
Food for the Brain Accreditation – Awarded “Excellent”
The DEN Nursery Group has been awarded Food for the Brain Accreditation at an Excellent standard following an independent audit of our food provision.
The assessors reviewed our menu design, ingredient sourcing, cooking methods, dietary inclusivity, staff training, and food education for children aged 6 months to 4 years. We achieved an outstanding score of 91/100, reflecting our evidence‑based nutrition approach and strong child‑first ethos.
Patrick Holford, from Food for the Brain Foundation said
“The DEN Nursery Group sets an outstanding benchmark in early‑years nutrition, with fresh, from‑scratch meals, exceptional food education, and evidence‑based practices that support children’s brain development and long‑term wellbeing.”
The Food for the Brain Foundation concluded that The DEN Nursery Group sets a benchmark for best practice in early years nutrition and is emerging as a sector leader in using food to support lifelong wellbeing.
A menu that rotates fairly for all children
Our Spring/Summer menu follows a three‑week, 16‑day rolling rota, ensuring an even, balanced variety of dishes no matter which days your child attends. This approach supports:
- Predictable, comforting routines
- Gentle exposure to new foods
- Equal opportunities for flavour discovery
From classic favourites to globally inspired dishes, our menu is designed to broaden children’s palates and spark cultural curiosity from Italian and Greek to Japanese and Korean influences.
A menu that rotates fairly for all children
Our Spring/Summer menu follows a three‑week, 16‑day rolling rota, ensuring an even, balanced variety of dishes no matter which days your child attends. This approach supports:
- Predictable, comforting routines
- Gentle exposure to new foods
- Equal opportunities for flavour discovery
From classic favourites to globally inspired dishes, our menu is designed to broaden children’s palates and spark cultural curiosity from Italian and Greek to Japanese and Korean influences.
Global flavours, local sourcing
We believe in creating menus that are both adventurous and sustainable. We source British‑grown grains, beans, pulses, local meats, and dairy wherever possible reducing food miles, maximising nutritional value, and supporting local farmers.
Children benefit from:
- Fresher ingredients harvested closer to peak nutrition
- Greater exposure to seasonal produce
- Stronger connections between food, environment, and community
Inclusive, Safe & Joyful Mealtimes
We prioritise allergies and dietary needs to ensure every child feels safe, included, and excited about their meals. With clear allergy information and personalised alternatives, every child enjoys the same high-quality dining experience.
Shared mealtimes also nurture independence, communication, and positive social interaction. Children play an active role in the process, using menu support cards that highlight the ingredients in each dish helping them learn about food as they eat. Mealtimes become moments of exploration, confidence-building, and conversation key elements of The DEN Way.
Explore our menu & food philosophy
We are incredibly proud of Kate and our kitchen team for creating such a flavourful, nutritious, and culturally rich Spring/Summer 2026 menu. Their passion and care are reflected in every dish, and we can’t wait for your children to enjoy it.
To learn more about The DEN Food Approach and view the full menu please visit our nutrition page.
