Donna Hancock, chef at Wandsworth Nursery and Pre-school Academy, takes pride in producing nutritious, fresh meals for babies and young children in her care. As a long-standing member of the Busy Bees nursery team, Donna has spent more than 16 years ensuring that every child is offered a wholesome and tasty meal, which is made from scratch.

The 53-year-old, who has recently witnessed the Smugglers Way-based nursery undergo a complete renovation, has received her share of culinary accolades. From being named as a finalist in the national Burton Biscuits Competition last year, to being presented a company award for going above and beyond her duty, Donna’s passion and enthusiasm has made her an asset to the team. The nursery has also attained the prestigious Silver Food for Life Catering Mark from the Soil Association, which means families can rest assured that all meals Donna cooks are made up of seasonal, traceable, healthier, sustainable and fresh ingredients, free from trans fats and additives. But Donna’s dedication to providing nutritious meals isn’t restricted to the kitchen, as she also enjoys sharing the benefits of healthy eating to interested parents and often leads cooking sessions for the children.

Donna says: “I like interacting with the children and a couple afternoons each week I get to introduce them to cooking and other aspects of food. I think it is important that children learn about healthy eating from a young age and I like knowing that they’ve enjoyed freshly cooked, balanced meals during their time at the nursery.”

As well as receiving a home-cooked meal in the day, the children at Wandsworth Nursery and Pre-school Academy also receive a healthy bag to take home, which Donna prepares each afternoon.

Donna added: “The nursery offers a take home lunch which has been really popular with our families. The nursey meals and lunch bags meet children's individual dietary requirements and I am always available to talk to parents about suitable meal ideas and portion sizes at home too.”

Families are being invited to sample Donna’s cooking at a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea at the nursery on March 23rd from 2.30pm. During the event, those going along will be able to join in with Mother’s Day-themed arts and crafts and make a special gift to take home, before enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.

Busy Bees nursery in Wandsworth is part of the award winning Busy Bees nursery group, the UK’s largest provider of quality childcare. For more details on the event, or any aspect of nursery life, please call the nursery Evelyn Herrera on 0208 877 1135 or go to https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/wandsworth

Submitted by Laura Bennett