A film explaining how funded nursery lunches work has been launched by Moray Council.
From August 2020, children in an early learning and childcare (ELC) setting over lunchtime are entitled to a meal funded by the Scottish Government.
In Moray this is in the form of lunch, usually a hot meal, served in the nursery.
Now, a new film has been created, focusing on Seafield Nursery in Elgin, to help explain to parents how the service will operate.
Funded lunches have been trialled over the pilot period of the ELC expansion in Moray, which will result in all children aged three and four, and some eligible two-year-olds, receiving 1,140 hours of funded ELC a year from August 2020.
Seafield Nursery manager Rachel Main said: “We introduced lunches to our day in August 2018 and are lucky to observe on a daily basis the benefits this brings.
“The children have developed confidence when using cutlery and are independent throughout.
“The happy, relaxed atmosphere supports the development of social skills and our children enjoy sitting and communicating together during lunchtime.
“We’ve also had great feedback from parents who say their children are now willing to try different foods at home.
“This film gives an insight into our lunchtime and I’m sure parents can see how much the children enjoy this time at nursery.”
Chairwoman of children and young people’s services committee, Sonya Warren said: “It’s vital that children are exposed to positive eating habits at an early age, paving the way for good health and closing the attainment gap by giving every child an equal chance to succeed.
“We hope this film gives parents an insight into nursery lunchtime and they see how smoothly it runs.”
