The cooks at Portland House Nursery, Judith Taylor and June Humphries have been awarded the two highest accolades available in Kirklees for food preparation. As part of the national Scores on the Doors scheme the nursery has been awarded the top rating of 5 Stars on the Door for the highest standard of hygiene and well-managed food preparation. They are also celebrating receiving the Gold Award for Healthy Eating for the fifth consecutive year. The inspector was particularly impressed by the variety in the menu and the use of pulses and healthier options.
Over 90% of the nursery staff have been awarded the Healthy Eating qualifications. Both the cooks and all the senior staff also have Food Hygiene Qualifications
The menu changes with the seasons and is packed with fresh fruit and vegetable and high quality meat and fish. Parents, staff and children are all encouraged to be involved in the development of each new menu and parents often supply menus of favourite dishes. The cooks not only prepare highly nutritious and varied meals for the children but also enjoy the opportunity of baking with them on a regular basis.
Judith said “We use local suppliers whenever possible to ensure freshness and to support local business. We have a wonderful garden where the children help to grow their own vegetables. Because they have been involved in the growing and preparation they will often eat things they have never tried at home.
Nursery Manager, Julie Lister added “The cooks work really hard to plan such nutritious and appealing food for the children. I am delighted that all their hard work has been recognised. But the clean plates and happy mealtimes have always been the best measure of their excellence”
