Nutrition policy
GOAL: To supervise and assist children to receive safe and nutritious food
STRATEGIES:
- Parents will be encouraged to provide suitable food for their children while they are at the centre. They will be given suggestions as to what is suitable and also those foods which are not .
- Water will be available at all times, and children will be encouraged to drink frequently.
- Any dairy products provided by the centre will be full cream.
- Emergency food will always be available for those who may have insufficient food packed or parents who may wish to purchase food.
- Children will have access to fruit if hungry between meals.
- Mealtimes will be scheduled regularly throughout the day, at 9.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm, and 4.30pm.
- Children will wash their hands before handling and eating food.
- Food will be stored and served at a safe temperature.
- Parents will be advised if their child is not eating well.
- Milk, including breast milk and formula, will be heated according to child health guidelines.
GOAL: To provide a pleasant eating environment which assists in the transmission of family and cultural values.
STRATEGIES:
- Staff members will sit with children at meal times.
- Food will not be used as a form of behaviour management either by it’s provision or denial.
- Multicultural differences will be recognised and accepted.
- Food awareness activities will be chosen from a variety of cultures to expand children’s knowledge of these.
- Special occasions involving food will be celebrated.
- Parents and relatives will be encouraged to join in at special occasions involving food.
GOAL: To teach children about food and nutrition
STRATEGIES
- Food awareness activities will be included in the centre program.
- Children will be encouraged to have “hands on” experience of food preparation.
- Foods being eaten will be discussed with children.
- Heights and weights of children may be measured to demonstrate physical growth.
- Related issues such as care of teeth will be included in the program.
June 2008. Ref. Tasmanian Licencing Standard 1.7, 2.7.