Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries has teamed up with registered nutritionist Laura Matthews to launch a new menu across its franchise network.

Grace Cole, Monkey Puzzle managing director, said the move was driven by the desire to meet and exceed the standards set out in the Department for Education’s updated early-years nutrition guidance published earlier this year.

“Partnering with Laura gave us the confidence to create something exceptional,” she said. “Her experience and passion for children’s nutrition really shine through in every dish.”

Matthews said: “The early years are absolutely crucial – the first 1,000 days of a child’s life help shape their lifelong eating habits. By offering nutritious meals in nursery, we’re not just supporting physical growth and brain development – we’re also laying the foundations for positive food relationships, adventurous palates and a reduced risk of obesity and diet-related illnesses later in life.”

The menu will be reviewed every six months to reflect seasonal ingredients and gather insights from nurseries, parents and children.