Nutrition
At our centre, we recognise that nutritious food is fundamental to children’s learning, play, and overall health and wellbeing. We are committed to aligning our food practices with the National Quality Standard (NQS) Quality Area 2 (QA2) requirements for children’s health, safety, and wellbeing.
Fresh, Healthy Meals Prepared Daily
Our dedicated onsite cook prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily, ensuring a balanced diet that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. We provide:
- Morning Tea, Lunch, and Afternoon Tea are included in our daily program.
- Breakfast is available for children who arrive before 8:00 am.
- A late afternoon snack (e.g., wholewheat cheese/Vegemite sandwiches) is offered to ensure children remain energised until they get home for dinner.
Meal inclusion depends on attendance type (full day, morning session, afternoon session). In our 4-5 Year Old Preschool Room, we foster school readiness by encouraging children to bring a small lunchbox containing only fruit or vegetables in separate containers, building independence and healthy habits.
A Holistic Approach to Mealtimes
Mealtimes are viewed as valuable social occasions and learning opportunities, aligning with the NQS focus on developmental programs. We encourage children’s involvement in various ways:
- Setting tables and participating in the routine.
- Gardening experiences, including watering, picking fruits, vegetables, and herbs from our onsite gardens.
- Cooking experiences, where children actively participate in meal preparation, such as making lemon shortbread biscuits or Red Bean Moon Cakes.
Catering to Dietary Needs and Allergies
We are committed to inclusivity and safety, catering to all dietary requirements, cultural considerations, and allergies.
- Halal certified meats are sourced for our meals.
- We can accommodate special diets (e.g., dairy-free, pescatarian, vegetarian).
- Dietary accommodations and allergies are meticulously managed through a colour-coded bowl system:
- Red: Medical/anaphylaxis
- Green: Confirmed allergy
- Purple: Parental preference/cultural considerations
For peace of mind, we are a nut-free and egg-free centre, and we are conscious of soy allergies, sourcing soy-free alternatives when required. We encourage families to speak with the Director about how we can best support your child’s specific nutritional needs.
Food Safety and Hygiene Excellence
Our commercial kitchen operates in full compliance with the Food Safety Program and the City of Charles Sturt Council food safety audit requirements.
- All staff are trained in safe food handling.
- Our cook and kitchen hand maintain up-to-date Food Safety Supervisor certificates from the Australian Institute of Food Safety, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety are consistently met.
Supporting Positive Mealtime Experiences
We work in partnership with families and allied health providers to ensure all children have safe and positive mealtime experiences. Our educators have specific knowledge and strategies to support children who may struggle with mealtimes. The Director will collaborate closely with you to develop individual mealtime strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs