PF211 Dining facilities

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Criterion PF211 Guidance

Criterion PF211

There is a safe and hygienic place for children attending to sit when eating.

Guidance

How to show you are complying

You will need clean and safe space for children to sit while eating.

For infants and toddlers, highchairs, seats that attach to the edge of or low tables with small chairs work well—just make sure they’re supervised.

To keep things hygienic, clean table surfaces before meals with a diluted bleach solution or use washable covers.

Covers are also a good way of showing children that the table is now an eating place rather than an activity place.

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How we assess compliance

When assessing whether you comply with PF211

Questions we are likely to ask

Where do children sit when eating?
How do you clean and prepare eating surfaces?

We are likely to look at, measure or count

The dining space/s used.
The condition and cleanliness of tables, highchairs, mats, and seating areas.

Why this is important

A clean and safe place to sit while eating helps keep children healthy and supports supervision while they eat.

Best practice: Going beyond compliance

Doing more than the minimum helps make things better for children and easier for staff. Below are some ideas you can consider.

Create calm, social eating environments that support positive mealtime experiences. Involving children in setting up and tidying builds independence and helps children feel part of the routine.

When eating outdoors as part of the day-to-day programme, plan for a clean, shaded space where food stays off the ground and children can be safely supervised.