Blue Bay Early Learning Centre
Evidence of link to Regulations (ECSNR):
Nutrition Policy
Part 4.2 Div. 1
R78 – 1, 2
R79 - 1, 2
R80 - 1, 2, 4
Evidence of link to NQS::
QA2, St2.2, E2.2.1
Date
Author
Change Description
Nutrition Policy
Version
1
Blue Bay Early Learning Centre
Policy Objective
To provide children in our centre with meals and snacks that are safe, appetising, culturally
appropriate and consistent with the Dietary Guidelines and provide 50% of the recommended
dietary intake.
To teach children about healthy foods and good nutrition.
Rationale
The food we eat can have a major effect on our health, physical well-being and ability to learn.
Proper and adequate nutrition is linked to educational outcomes and health throughout life.
Good nutrition in child care settings supports general good health and a builds healthy eating
habits. Child care providers can build these eating habits by providing a variety of nutritious foods
and modelling positive behaviours.
The centre is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles, in the broadest sense, through a range of
policies and programmes.
Relevant Legislation:
Education and Care Services National Regulation, 2012
National Quality Standards: Quality Area 2
Element 2.2.1 – healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are
nutritious and appropriate for each child.

Food and drinks will be nutritious, adequate in quantity, varied, offered at frequent
intervals and appropriate to the developmental and cultural needs of the child.

Milk or dairy substitutes will be served twice a day to drink.

All dairy products will be full cream for children under two years old and
reduced fat for children over two years.

Only soy products that are fortified with calcium will be substituted for
cow’s milk products.

Water will be available at all times.

Individual children’s developmental needs will be catered for to ensure the meal is safe for
their stage of development e.g. food will be pureed or mashed if necessary. Rice cereal will
be provided for younger children.

If children have not eaten their main meal, they may be offered a sandwich and will still be
offered their fruit snack.
Nutrition Policy
Strategies and practices
2

Parents will be advised of their child’s food intake during the day and will be notified when
their children are not eating well while in care.

Staff will sit with children during meal times to ensure a safe eating environment.

For children requiring a special diet or who have food allergies –

Parents must make an appointment with the Director and Cook to discuss
the child’s needs.

Parents must also have a written referral from a Dietician, Medical
Practitioner or paediatrician.

Any requests for changes to the approved special diet are to be given to the
Director in writing.

Relevant action plans must be completed.

All primary contact staff will be informed of the details of any children with food allergies
of special diets.

A list of children and their food allergies will be posted in the kitchen and attached to the
food trolley

Menu planning is to be completed by the qualified cook employed by the service and to be
overseen by the Director.

Menus will be planned using the Good for Kids Good for Life recommendations.

Food will be stored and served at safe temperatures. The cook will test all meals for correct
temperatures before serving them to children.

Menus are subject to change in regards to availability of seasonal foods and produce.
Adequate food substitution will apply.

The service will keep infants on breast milk or infant formula as the main drink until 12
months of age, in consultation with families.

The service will introduce solids to infants from 6 months of age, in consultation with
families.

Gloves will be worn or food tongs used by any staff directly handling food.

Educators and children will wash their hands before and after handling food or eating
meals or snacks.

The Director will ensure that staff handling food are trained in safe food handling and
maintain a current food handling certificate.

Food awareness activities will be included in the teaching curriculum.

Children will be encouraged to have hands on experiences with food and food preparation.

Information about the food being served will be discussed with the children.
Where food is brought from home:
Nutrition Policy
Blue Bay Early Learning Centre
3
Blue Bay Early Learning Centre



Food brought from home will abide by the regulations and the relevant recommendations.
Families will ensure that their child’s lunch boxes contains healthy food and drink choices.
The service will provide up to date information on dietary requirements of young children
to ensure optimum growth and development.
References
Education and Care Services National Regulation, 2011
Public Health Act 1991
Resources
Nutrition Australia: Information on nutrition for staff & parents.
http://www.nutritionaustralia.org
Raising Children Network: Australian parenting resource.
www.raisingchildren.net.au
The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority: http://www.acecqa.gov.au/
Department of Health and Aging: Get Up and Grow Resources
Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Early Childhood - Staff/Carers Book
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-early-childhood-nutritionresources
Policy Written by:
Position:
Date:
Approved by:
Approved Date:
Next review date:
Nutrition Policy
Staff Sign:
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