Higgy’s House is proud to be a Healthy Ireland Preschool
The Healthy Ireland programme is specifically designed for pre-school children aged between three and five years of age and encompasses all aspects of a healthy lifestyle: oral health, physical health, health & safety, emotional well-being & literacy as well as nutrition & healthy eating. Higgy’s House staff took part in the Smart Start training programme and then underwent an inspection to gain our Healthy Ireland Preschool accreditation. To maintain this accreditation we are inspected every 3 years.
Nutrition
At Higgy’s House we have always and continue to prepare all our food in house, with fresh ingredients. We keep up to date with the latest nutrition and diet information for children, providing a varied and nutritious diet. We see mealtimes as an opportunity for the children to socialize, learn about food and develop healthy eating habits.
Each week our menu is displayed in reception. The dishes vary from week to week with staff and parents contributing new recipes and ideas for us to try! Our recipes of the week prove very popular with the parents and many families enjoy cooking a “Higgy's dinner” at home.
Some of our most popular dishes are our Chicken curry and our homemade scones and bread.
No added Salt is used in the preparation of any meals. Portion sizes are in line with recommendations from Safefood, (What is a serving size? A guide for Pre-schools). Drinks offered are milk and water.
The children are encouraged to try all food offered and food is not used as a punishment or reward.
Allergies are catered for and all allergens contained in foods prepared, are listed on the weekly menu.
Children who attend our ECCE mornings, while welcome to bring their own lunch are encouraged to bring healthy snacks in-line with our healthy eating policy. We encourage parents to send milk or water to drink and no juice.
Products containing nuts or nut products are not allowed due to allergies.
Sweets, chocolate and crisps are not allowed as they are not in line with our Healthy Eating policy.
Please see below some useful links for healthy lunch box ideas.
School Packed Lunch Inspiration
Higgys House Weekly Menu (Sample)
Day | Morning Snack | Lunch | Afternoon Snack |
Monday | Biscuits and Milk | Tuna Pasta Bake Fruit |
Pitta pockets with ham & cheese, natural yogurt with fruit puree, Milk |
Contains Allergens | Dairy, Wheat gluten | Wheat gluten, Dairy, eggs Fish | Wheat gluten, Dairy |
Tuesday | Fruit and Milk | Chicken Noodle Stir- Fry Fruit | Beans on toast, natural Yogurt with fruit puree, Milk |
Contains Allergens | Dairy | Eggs, wheat gluten, Soya sauce | Wheat gluten, Dairy |
Wednesday | Fruit and Milk | Beef Goulash with Rice Fruit | Waffles with Honey, natural Yogurt with fruit puree, Milk |
Contains Allergens | Dairy | Eggs, Wheat Gluten Dairy | |
Thursday | Toast and Milk | Bacon & Potato pie with peas Fruit | Hummous with breadsticks, natural Yogurt with fruit puree, Milk |
Contains Allergens | Dairy, Wheat gluten | Dairy | Dairy, wheat gluten |
Friday | Fruit and Milk | Lasagne Fruit | Shortbread biscuits, natural Yogurt with fruit puree, Milk, |
Contains Allergens | Dairy | Wheat gluten, dairy, eggs | Dairy, Wheat gluten |