ABSTRACT
Mealtimes, where there is no enjoyment and no fun the food is beige coloured. This chapter considers: Planning and organisation of meals; a Childs eye view of food and mealtimes; the role of the key person; Ways to lay the foundation for healthy eating; an inclusive and multicultural approach. Feeding gives the opportunity for the baby or toddler to have some intimate time with her close adult. In most families the kitchen, or the room adjoining it, is the hub of the house. In nurseries and childcare centres it is usually separated off from the teaching and learning spaces. This contrasts with the pre-schools in Reggio Emilia where the cooks and cleaners are seen as integral members of the teaching staff. As Elion's account of this training exercise demonstrates, it is the little things, the close attention to detail that matters when working with very young children.
