Niños comiendo de forma autónoma en el comedor de la escuela infantil Alaria International Nursery Schools, Daycare in Aravaca, Madrid.

At Escuelas Infantiles Internacionales Alaria, as well as at Alaria International Nursery Schools and Escuelas Infantiles Alaria de Madrid y Aravaca, we are committed to providing healthy and quality nutrition that contributes to the overall development of our students. We believe that proper nutrition is fundamental for the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of children.

Principles of Our Nutrition:

Fresh and Nutritious Ingredients:

We use fresh, seasonal ingredients in all our menus, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This not only ensures a balanced diet but also supports local farmers.

Variety and Flavor

At Escuelas Infantiles Internacionales Alaria, we understand that children are more likely to try new foods when they are presented attractively. Therefore, we design varied menus that include different colors, textures, and flavors to make mealtime a pleasant and exciting experience.

Nutritional Education

We promote nutritional education from an early age, teaching children about the importance of a balanced diet and how to choose healthy foods. This education is complemented by practical activities, such as cooking workshops and school gardens, where children can learn about the origins of their food.

Flexibility for Specific Needs

We recognize that each child is unique, so we offer options that cater to different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free options. This ensures that all our students receive the nutrition they need without compromising their health.

Positive Environment During Meals

We promote a relaxed and positive atmosphere during meals, where children can enjoy their food and socialize with their peers. This helps develop healthy eating habits and fosters an appreciation for food.
Guiso para puré de patata y zanahoria, en la escuela infantil Alaria International Nursery Schools, Daycare in Aravaca, Madrid.

Commitment to Health and Well-being

By implementing these practices, both at Alaria International Nursery Schools and at Escuelas Infantiles Alaria de Madrid y Aravaca, we ensure that our students not only have access to healthy and quality nutrition but also learn to value food as part of their overall well-being. Ultimately, good nutrition is an essential pillar for the healthy and happy development of children.

Menu Planning at Escuelas Infantiles Internacionales Alaria

The menu planning process at our schools is conducted with a holistic approach that considers nutrition, child development, and the promotion of healthy habits. Below are the steps and principles we follow in this process:

1. Nutritional Assessment:

  • Daily Requirements: We consider the nutritional recommendations for children aged 0 to 5 years, ensuring that each meal meets the caloric, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral requirements.
  • Special Needs: We identify and integrate the specific dietary needs of students, such as allergies or intolerances, ensuring that all children receive appropriate nutrition. The protocol for allergies and intolerances is strictly enforced, and no food from children is allowed into the school, so all meals are included in the monthly fee.

2. Ingredient Selection:

  • Freshness and Quality: We choose fresh, seasonal, high-quality ingredients, preferably from local suppliers to support the regional economy and reduce the carbon footprint.
  • Variety of Foods: We include a wide variety of foods that consist of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins (meat, fish, eggs, and plant-based alternatives).

3. Menu Planning:

  • Cyclic Menus: We create cyclical menus that rotate weekly to ensure variety and balance, avoiding monotony in meals.
  • Balanced Meals: Each meal includes options for proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables. For example, a lunch may include grilled chicken, quinoa, and steamed vegetables, accompanied by a fruit dessert.
  • Healthy Breakfasts and Snacks: Examples include natural yogurt without sugar, fresh fruit, bread, cheese, or turkey. On special occasions, such as during San Isidro, we make lemonade in class to enjoy in our “meadow.” Other times, we create mini ice creams with unsweetened yogurt and gelatin or cookies with oats, yogurt, and mashed banana. Everything turns out delicious.

4. Presentation and Flavor:

  • Visual Appeal: Dishes are presented in a colorful and attractive manner to stimulate children’s interest in food.
  • Taste Tests: We conduct taste tests with children to ensure they enjoy the dishes and encourage them to be open to new flavors.

5. Food Education:

  • Interactive Activities: We organize activities that involve children in food preparation, promoting education about healthy habits.
  • Nutrition Talks: We offer periodic talks on the importance of healthy eating.

The menu planning at Escuelas Infantiles Internacionales Alaria, Alaria International Nursery Schools, and Escuelas Infantiles Alaria de Madrid y Aravaca not only focuses on nutrition but also seeks to foster a culture of healthy eating from an early age. In this way, we contribute to the overall well-being of our students and help them develop habits that will accompany them throughout their lives.