Parent Handbook - MEALS

The Centre is committed to the provision of a well-balanced and nutritious diet, with an emphasis on introducing the children to a wide variety of foods.  The use of added sugar, salt, preservatives and colourings will be avoided where possible.

The Centre will provide morning and afternoon snacks and a main meal at lunch. Mealtimes are seen as pleasant social experiences for all to enjoy with good eating habits encouraged.  Food will be used as a learning experience and at times the children will take part in activities involving its preparation.  Food will also be used to introduce the children to other cultures.

The menu will be on display.  Requests for individual diet needs will be catered for as much as possible, and any special dietary restrictions and/or allergies have to be notified to the Director in writing on the form provided for this purpose.

Babies who have sterilised bottles and/or individual formulas will need to bring these to the Centre, prepared and marked, daily.

No other food will be allowed into the Centre.

The Centre has adopted the Policy Guidelines for ‘Safe Eating Practises for Young Children’ developed by Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Child and Youth Health, October 1995.

Policy Guidelines are :-

Making eating safer for young children.

                    Food –

• Do not give foods that can break off into hard pieces, for example, avoid raw carrots, celery sticks and apple pieces.  These foods should be grated or cooked.
• Sausages, frankfurts and other meats should be cut into small pieces.  The tough skins on frankfurts and sausages should be removed.
• Do not give nuts, popcorn, hard lollies, cornchips or other similar food to young children.

                    Procedure to ensure safe eating -

• Always stay with young children and supervise them while eating.
• Make sure that young children sit quietly while eating.
• Never force young children to eat, as this may cause them to choke.
  
  
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