Tops Day Nurseries Becomes the UK’s First Multi-Educational Childcare Setting to Achieve the Early Years Alliance Nutrition Support Programme Accreditation.
Tops Day Nurseries, a leading provider of early years childcare, is excited to announce that it has become the first multi-educational childcare setting in the UK to achieve the Early Years Alliance’s prestigious Nutrition Support Programme (NSP) Accreditation. This accolade follows a comprehensive audit conducted by Melanie Smith, a Registered Associate Nutritionist, who praised the setting’s commitment to exceptional nutritional practices.
The NSP Accreditation is designed to enhance the future health outcomes of young children by establishing high standards for nutrition in early years settings. During the audit, Melanie Smith commended Tops Day Nurseries for its impressive operation and dedicated team, noting, “Firstly, I would like to say how impressed I was with Tops. You have a wonderful, dedicated team with a very slick operation.”
Smith’s feedback highlighted several strengths, including the setting’s approach to fostering positive eating habits, making mealtimes enjoyable social occasions, and promoting children’s independence. She admired the clean, bright, and distraction-free environment, noting that even construction work did not interrupt the children’s lunchtime routine thanks to excellent communication.
Smith also praised the children’s impeccable manners and the use of the ‘we say thank you’ song during mealtimes. The children’s autonomy was evident as they chose their seating and enjoyed their meals at their own pace, free from pressure.
The observed lunch, featuring butternut squash, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, and crudités, was met with enthusiasm. The Tops team engaged actively with the children, discussing the food and encouraging them to explore different ingredients. A memorable moment included a fun competition to see who could make the loudest crunching sound while eating carrots, adding a playful touch to the dining experience.
Tops Day Nurseries’ commitment to mealtimes as social occasions was further highlighted by initiatives such as allowing children to serve themselves and their friends, and teaching them how to manage their food temperature. The provision of ample water and creative ideas like a washing-up tub for children to clean their own plates and cups were also recognised.
Neil Leitch, Chief Executive, said; “I am thrilled Tops Day Nurseries have achieved the Alliance’s Early Years Nutrition accreditation. I know Peter Ttofis and his team have worked so hard with our Nutritionists to ensure every aspect of their food planning, production and service to children meets our high standards. Their success also demonstrates how our nutrition support for nurseries and pre-schools of whatever size and shape can be tailored to suit the providers’ needs and those of the children they support.”
Pete Ttofis, Catering Manager at Tops, expressed his pride, saying, “We are delighted and immensely proud to receive this accreditation. Collaborating with Mel and the team at the Alliance has been an absolute pleasure, and their support has been invaluable. This accreditation recognizes the hard work and dedication of our catering teams, who ensure that the children in our care enjoy nutritious and balanced meals. I am especially proud that we are the first multi-educational childcare setting in the UK to achieve this accreditation.”
Diane Wycherley, Chief Operations Officer, added, “We are thrilled to have achieved the Early Years Alliance’s Nutrition Support Partnership accreditation. It’s a tremendous honour to have the quality of our food certified, and we couldn’t be prouder. Working with Mel and Michael has been a fantastic experience, and their support was invaluable in reaching this milestone.”
This achievement underscores Tops Day Nurseries’ ongoing commitment to providing a nurturing, educational, and health-conscious environment for children in their care. By excelling in the Early Years Alliance’s Nutrition Support Program audit, Tops Day Nurseries reaffirms its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in early years childcare and nutrition.