Nursery World - European-style meals boost skills

Sharing mealtimes with other children in nursery helps to develop social skills and a healthy and positive approach to eating, according to a new European-wide survey of young children's experiences. The latest issue of Children in Europe magazine, out on Monday (27 March), features an analysis of food in nurseries, kindergartens and schools in ten countries. Details include how much meals cost, sample menus, whether children are involved in preparation, and the role parents play.

The latest issue of Children in Europe magazine, out on Monday (27 March), features an analysis of food in nurseries, kindergartens and schools in ten countries. Details include how much meals cost, sample menus, whether children are involved in preparation, and the role parents play.

A typical lunch for two- to six-year-olds in cole maternelles (nursery schools) in Strasbourg, for example, might start with endive and nut salad, followed by meatloaf with haricot and flageolet beans, edam cheese and a clementine.

Writing in the magazine, Donatella Giovannini, education co-ordinator for the Pistoia region of Italy, said, 'Lunch is an important social and convivial occasion in daily life.' Children take turns to sit at 'the big table' and draw names out of a hat to be the waiter, ending lunch with a song and a pretend coffee.

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