January is a big month in the early years. New children are settling into nursery life, routines are finding their rhythm, and for many little ones, mealtimes can feel unfamiliar and sometimes a little overwhelming.

If you’re welcoming January starters right now, you might be seeing cautious or reluctant eaters, food refusal, or children who are still finding their confidence at the table. The good news? This is all completely normal, and with the right support, mealtimes can quickly become calmer, happier, and more positive for everyone involved.

At Nursery Kitchen, we believe mealtimes should feel calm, reassuring, and positive. Even when children don’t eat much, simply sitting with their peers, seeing familiar foods, and feeling safe at the table all play an important role in building confidence over time.

That’s why our Head of Nutrition and Policy, Catherine Lippe has created a practical, supportive resource to help nurseries navigate mealtimes with January starters and beyond.

Our free resource is packed with gentle, evidence-based strategies to help early years practitioners:

- Create calm, reassuring mealtimes

- Support children who feel unsure around food

- Encourage positive eating without pressure

- Build confidence and curiosity at the table

At Nursery Kitchen, supporting positive mealtimes is at the heart of everything we do. From freshly prepared, chilled meals to menus that meet (and often exceed) EYFS nutrition guidance, we're here to help nurseries feel confident and supported every day.

Download our resource to explore all seven tips and support children to feel safe, secure, and curious at the table... one mealtime at a time.

Download resource