The EYFS was revised in September 2025 to include some safer eating practices to help to protect children. Recent statistics show that under 5’s are most at risk with 80% of choking incidents requiring hospital treatment were under 4-year-olds. Food has been identified as the most common cause for choking and preventative measures are key to reducing choking incidents. Within our nursery we follow the Food standards Agency guide for preparing food that is often deemed as a choking hazard for under 5’s. There are also certain foods that should be avoided for under 5’s as their texture can pose as a potential choking hazard
By preparing and serving food the correct way we hope to minimise choking incidents whilst still giving children a variety of different foods to try and enjoy.
As a company we have invested in a Life Vac device for our setting which will be used as a last resort attempt to clear the airways of a choking child. All our staff have undergone training in how to use the device that could potentially save a child’s life. Life Vac offer a range of devices for both home and travel and they provide training on how to use the products.
LifeVac
Please click on the photo for more information
How to safely cut childrens food
Fruit and Vegetables
Cut small round fruits like grapes, cherries, berries, strawberries and cherry tomatoes into quarters (4 small pieces) Cut fruit like melon and apples into slices instead of small chunks. For very young children – try grating, mashing, steaming or simmering firm fruits. Cut vegetables like carrots, peppers, cucumber and celery into narrow batons. For very young children, try grating, mashing, steaming or simmering firm vegetables and legumes like butter beans, chickpeas and tofu. Remove the skins for all fruit and vegetables , this makes it easier to swallow. Do not give whole raisins or dried fruits to babies under the age of 1. Always cut them into small pieces
Meat and Fish
Cut all meat into thin strips and remove all bones from all meat and fish. Cut sausages and hot dogs into short strips. Cut them in half and then lengthways, or as thinly as possible. Peeling the skin off the sausages makes them easier to swallow
Cheese
Grate cheese or cut into thin strips for children to hold.
Nuts and Seeds
Do not give whole nuts or popcorn to children under 5. If using whole nuts, peanuts or seeds chop or flake. Only use nut butters as a spread or in other cooking, for example in curries or swirled into porridge. Do not give peanut butter to babies and young children by itself.
Bread
If not chewed properly, white bread can cause a dough like texture. Try lightly toasting or use brown bread. Bread, chapatis, naan bread and other breads should be cut into narrow strips
Safety Reminders
