Providing a variety of nutritious foods

  • Food provided by the setting is nutritious and includes a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups every day.
  • Parents are encouraged to send nutritious food, and include a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups, if children bring food from home.
  • Families are provided with information and ideas on how to provide nutritious foods for their children.
  • Water is offered as the main drink and is available at all times.
  • ‘ Sometimes foods’ are not included in planned menus and parents are discouraged from including them in lunchboxes.
  • Appealing meals and foods that offer a variety of tastes, colours
  • and textures are provided. Food is offered in ways that encourage children to try new foods and enjoy eating.
  • Where meals are provided, diversity is explored through offering a variety of foods.
  • Families, staff and carers have access to information about the importance of good nutrition and healthy eating for children.

Mealtimes and behaviour

  • Food is never used as a reward or denied as a punishment, or used to comfort children.
  • Mealtimes are positive, relaxed and social.
  • Staff and carers model healthy eating behaviours by sitting with children at mealtimes and interacting with them.
  • If food is provided by the setting, staff and carers model healthy eating by eating the same foods as the children.
  • Meals and snacks are offered at regular and predictable intervals.
  • Food servings are of a suitable size, so children have control over their own choice to eat and the amount they eat.
  • Extra food is available if children are still hungry at the end of a meal or snack.
  • Food is seen as important for a healthy body, and not related to weight or body shape.
  • Fussy eating is dealt with in a relaxed way that encourages the child to try new foods, but does not use praise or rewards for eating.
  • Special occasions are recognised and celebrated with limited use of ‘sometimes foods’. Alternatives to focusing on food are considered for celebrations.
  • Cultural and religious beliefs are respected when planning, preparing and serving food in the setting.