Confirm the nursery’s policy
Ask the nursery for its current food and allergen policy, including how it treats precautionary labels such as “may contain”. Requirements can differ by setting, so a general website statement should never replace the policy that applies to the child’s nursery.
Use the policy as the starting point for your nursery meal-service brief and include the information the provider needs to assess your request.
Review the preparation arrangements
Ask where meals are prepared, which allergens are handled in the kitchen and how ingredients, equipment and finished meals are separated. A menu described as nut-free does not, by itself, establish that the kitchen is free from cross-contact risk.
The provider should explain its feasible controls and any remaining limitations. Individual medical requirements and emergency arrangements belong in the nursery’s documented care process, with input from the child’s responsible clinician.
Check halal sourcing separately
Halal sourcing and allergy controls address different requirements. Request the relevant ingredient and supplier documentation, and confirm preparation expectations before approving a menu. Neither description should be treated as a substitute for the other.
Keep sourcing distinct from allergen handling; our halal catering guide outlines the points to discuss.
Agree labels, handover and changes
Confirm how each meal is identified, who receives it, how the dietary list is updated and how an unexpected ingredient change is communicated. Named responsibilities help the nursery and provider keep the agreed process consistent.
Assess the provider before committing
Request the approvals and food-safety documentation applicable to the proposed service and verify them with the issuing authority where needed. myCHEF considers nursery proposals after reviewing the site, age groups, requirements and supporting documentation.
Compare the proposal with our nursery meals and packed-lunch guide before deciding how the service will operate.
Use specific questions in the provider review
Ask the proposed provider to describe the scope of its menu claim in writing. Does the description refer to selected ingredients, a particular menu or the preparation setting? Which supplier information supports it, and how are changes reviewed? Keep the answer with the nursery’s own policy so staff and parents are discussing the same arrangement.
A generic brochure may not answer a particular child’s requirements. The nursery should use its established care and communication process to determine what information is needed, with qualified advice where appropriate, and confirm whether the proposed provider can meet the agreed requirements.
Make change communication part of the brief
Discuss who will notify the nursery when a proposed ingredient, supplier or menu changes, and who has authority to approve the revised arrangement. Ask what information would be available before a changed meal is accepted. Do not assume that a familiar dish name means its ingredients and preparation are unchanged.
Agree how the nursery will pass relevant updates to the people serving meals and to parents. Keep responsibilities specific to the actual service: delivered meals, preparation on site and food brought from home can involve different people and different handovers.
Prepare a focused nursery catering enquiry
For nursery catering, provide the age groups, expected meal numbers, service days and the policy requirements the provider needs to assess. Ask for a written response to the dietary questions before a menu is approved. The proposal should clearly separate confirmed capabilities, limitations and questions that still need review; the words nut-free and halal alone do not resolve those details.