Food & Nutrition

“Children need nutritious foods and an active lifestyle to grow and develop normally.”

At the Centre food and drink are nutritious and culturally appropriate where healthy eating habits are promoted.

Dietary Guidelines
The Centre will provide the children with at least 50% of their daily-recommended dietary intake of nutrients in the form of safe and appetising foods from the 5 food groups i.e. Bread/Cereal – Dairy Foods – Meat and Meat Alternatives – Fruit/Vegetables – Fats/Oils. The Centre accesses current information from recognised authorities on children’s daily nutritional requirements, on food handling and on hygiene practices.

• Milk will be served daily.
• All dairy products will be full cream.
• Only soy milk will be used as a substitute for cow’s milk.
• Children will have access to fruit and bread if they are hungry between meals.
• Water will be available at all times.
• Children are allowed to have several helpings.
• If children have not eaten their main meal, they will receive sandwiches instead.
• Parents will be advised when the child is not eating well.
• When children are on special diets the parents will be asked to provide a copy of the diet from the dietitian.
• Children will wash their hands before handling food or eating meals and snacks.
• Food will be stored and served at safe temperatures.
• Staff will adhere to good hygienic practices when handling food eg. wear gloves, use tongs, wash hands, wear regularly laundered apron/uniform, hair tied back, etc.
• Children will not share food (from the same plate), plates or utensils.
• Food is given to children on a frequent basis, that is 2-3 hourly.

The menu reflects children’s special cultural, religious, medical & dietary requirements.

Educators will seek parent’s advice on menu planning, nutrition, food handling, storage and hygiene. The menu changes regularly and reflects seasonal changes and the availability of fresh produce.

Written menus and ingredients used are displayed in the Centre and information on eating habits of children is recorded on “Your Child’s Day format’ displayed in rooms.

Educators will sit with children at meal times.

Food will not be used as a form of punishment whether by its provision or denial.

Special occasions may be celebrated with culturally appropriate foods.

Parents will be invited to various food occasions each year eg: morning tea, Mother’s day, Easter Parade, Father’s day, Xmas Concert, Parent Involvement Week.

Food preparation Staff, are required to seek ongoing professional developments on nutrition, food handling, storage and hygiene practices.

Food awareness activities will be included in the program.

Children will be encouraged to participate in “Hands on” experiences in food preparation.

Children’s weight and heights will be measured as an activity to demonstrate good nutrition and growth.