How Meals at Tops Pokesdown Support Children and Families!

At Tops, we believe that mealtimes are more than just an opportunity to refuel! They’re a chance for children to develop healthy habits, explore new flavours, and build positive relationships with food. We recently gathered feedback from parents at Tops Pokesdown, and it’s truly inspiring to see how our nursery meals are positively impacting both children and their families.

While we have been using EYPP funding for some children’s meals, the majority of our children currently do not have this funding. However, this may change in April with the new LA interpretation of the DfE guidance.

How Our Meals Benefit Children

Parents at Tops Pokesdown shared that the nutritious, well-balanced meals we provide are exposing their children to new foods and encouraging them to try different flavours. Eating alongside their peers inspires children to be more adventurous and develop positive eating habits. Many parents mentioned that their children often eat better at nursery, especially when it comes to vegetables!

For children with dietary needs or sensory sensitivities around food, our tailored non added sugar meal options provide the support they need. Parents feel reassured knowing their child is getting proper nutrition throughout the day, which helps with overall growth and development.

How Nursery Meals Support Families

Parents are delighted by the impact our nursery meals are having at home. In fact, 43% have tried recreating our recipes, sparking a growing interest in the dishes their children love. Many are eager for more recipes to encourage adventurous eating at home.

Below are some highlights from the feedback on ‘How do nursery meals support your family?’:

That myself and my husband can go back to working full time and not have to worry about giving our child a full meal when they come home.

They help with the daily stress of not having to worry about meals when we are busy
working parents.

Less stress and time spent planning meals, particularly important to facilitate busy working schedules

At Tops Pokesdown, parents appreciate how our provided meals reduce stress, save valuable time, and smooth evening routines after long days. Our meals also spark new ideas for family dinners, with many parents noticing their children are more open to trying new foods at home, especially helpful for managing fussy eaters. Find out more here!

Additional Feedback and Thoughts

Parents at Tops Pokesdown also shared that they highly value the positive impact that nursery meals have on their children and their households. Many expressed appreciation for the ongoing availability of these meals, with some noting concerns about continued funding and hoping this valuable service remains in place.

Our most recent menu updates have been a hit, with parents praising the variety and quality of the new offerings. This feedback motivates us to keep refining our meal plans to ensure children continue to receive nutritious and exciting meals.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Would you like to see more of our recipes and mealtime insights shared online? Let us know!

We have been using EYPP funding for some children’s meals, but the vast majority of children do not have funding for meals. This may well change in April with the new LA interpretation of the DfE guidance.