This policy outlines our approach to the safe and developmentally appropriate introduction of solid foods (weaning) for babies in our setting. It is based on statutory EYFS safeguarding reforms (2024) and NHS Start for Life guidance. Our aim is to ensure that each child is supported in their weaning journey in a way that prioritises their individual needs, safety and well-being. We achieve this through a combination of regular open dialogue between staff and parents/carers and written updates from parents via Famly, ensuring that both home and setting are aligned on the child’s progress.
Weaning is a developmental milestone that must be tailored to each child’s readiness, not simply their age. Food provided during this stage must be safe, appropriate in texture, and reflect medical, cultural and developmental needs. Open, two-way communication between staff and families is central to our approach, allowing immediate discussion of any changes or concerns. Parents and carers play a key role by regularly updating Famly with information on their child’s current stage, new foods introduced at home, and any changes in feeding habits. Staff respond to these updates through conversation and practical adjustments in the setting.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring all weaning practices meet safeguarding standards, and that staff are trained in allergy management, safe feeding techniques and choking prevention.
The child’s key person will actively maintain open dialogue with parents, both in person and via Famly responses, to ensure an accurate, up-to-date understanding of the child’s weaning stage. They will act promptly on any information shared to ensure mealtimes remain safe and developmentally appropriate.
Parents and carers are responsible for keeping the setting informed by providing regular Famly updates on their child’s weaning stage and discussing any changes face-to-face where needed. This ensures both home and setting are working collaboratively.
When a child is beginning weaning or joins the setting during their weaning stage, staff will meet with parents to discuss current feeding routines, known allergies, cultural considerations and preferred textures. If a child joins Hopscotch during the weaning stage, these details will be recorded and discussed on the settles forms as part of the enrolment process. Parents will then be encouraged to keep the setting updated via Famly and through ongoing conversations at drop-off and pick-up.
Children who are weaning will be listed on our allergy management boards under ‘special requirements’ to ensure staff who are preparing and serving food at mealtimes are aware. All food provided during weaning must be freshly prepared and appropriate to the child’s current developmental stage. Practitioners will adapt textures as needed, offering puréed, mashed or finely chopped foods depending on the child’s needs and in consultation with parents. High-risk foods such as whole grapes or hard raw vegetables will be avoided. Meals must be prepared with allergy awareness in mind, using systems to avoid cross-contamination and ensure individual needs are met.Our food supplier, Little Tums, can prepare food for the appropriate weaning stage upon request.
Babies and young children will be seated securely in a highchair or appropriately sized low chair while eating. Where possible, there should be a designated eating space where distractions are minimised. At least one staff member with a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate must be present in the room at all times during mealtimes. Children must be within both sight and hearing of staff, as choking can be silent. Practitioners should, where possible, sit facing children to monitor safe eating, prevent food sharing and observe for unexpected allergic reactions. Any choking incidents that require intervention will be recorded, shared with parents, and reviewed to identify trends and reduce future risk. More information can be found in our Caring for Children Policy here: 🍎Healthy Food & Safe Eating .
The setting will work with parents and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals to develop and maintain accurate allergy and intolerance records. All staff will be made aware of each child’s allergy or intolerance profile and trained to recognise symptoms of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Staff must also understand the differences between allergies and intolerances, and that food reactions may develop at any stage, particularly during the introduction of new foods. Relevant information and updates will be recorded and shared via Famly so that staff and parents can act on the most up-to-date information.Further information can be found in our 🥪Food Safety Management System . Parents share feeding stage updates via Famly, and staff will monitor and record any incidents, such as allergic reactions or choking, sharing this information promptly in person or via Famly. This ensures that communication flows both ways, with open dialogue supplementing written records.
Staff will complete their Level 2 Food Hygiene and Allergy and Intolerances training before their start date. These will need to be refreshed every 3 years.
The weaning stage requires enhanced vigilance. Staff will supervise children closely, prohibit food sharing, and act on any concerning patterns observed during mealtimes. Any incidents requiring intervention will be recorded and discussed with parents, following EYFS safeguarding protocols.
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if significant incidents occur or updated NHS/EYFS guidance is released.