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All children in childcare need regular healthy meals, snacks and fluids (drinks). Many children attend childcare and some spend long periods there. This means children can eat many meals and snacks away from their home and parents. It’s important that children in care eat nutritious meals and are educated about healthy eating. Research has shown that some children in care may not get enough of some important dietary nutrients.
Childcare centres and carers should be familiar with hygiene and nutrition standards and food safety laws. They should have policies and menu plans available for parents to read and comment on.
Types of childcare
There are many types of childcare options available for children under five years of age. These include:
- Long day childcare centres (LDCCC)
- Occasional care and preschool
- Family day care
- Extended family care (especially grandparents).
More than 50,000 children in Victoria attend long day care on a part-time or full-time basis. Long day care is defined as spending at least eight hours a day in childcare.
Guidelines for nutrition and health standards
The National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) provides national guidelines for childcare, which cover all areas of care. These guidelines contain information on quality care including standards of discipline, hygiene, programming, communication, food and nutrition.
Some of the issues covered include:
- Respect – show respect for all children.
- Environment – provide a pleasant, culturally appropriate atmosphere for children at mealtimes that encourages social interaction and learning.
- Culture – provide culturally appropriate meals, food and drink for children.
- Nutrition – promote healthy eating and good food habits.
- Hygiene – have staff trained in correct food handling and hygiene.
Nutrition
Food provided in childcare has an important role to play in the growth and development of children and in the development of sound eating habits. In long day childcare centres, menus should aim to meet a significant amount of a child’s recommended daily intake of nutrients. A variety of food should be provided, including a range of textures and tastes, appropriate to the developmental stages of different age groups.
Some foods, such as treats, add little to the nutrient intake and should be used sparingly. In general, very sweet food such as cakes, biscuits, lollies, soft drinks and fruit juice should not be served on a regular basis in childcare. Individual centres may have a policy on the availability of sweet foods and other treats.
Meals and snacks
Mealtime arrangements can vary. Some centres provide all meals and snacks, while other centres ask families to provide meals for their own children. Long day childcare rules state that childcare centres must provide one meal and two snacks each day. Often this will be morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Some centres also serve breakfast.
Mealtimes should be relaxed
The mealtime atmosphere and the attitude and behaviour of childcare workers are important to the development of healthy eating practices. Children should be relaxed and happy when they are eating. Meals are often shared with carers and other children. Childcare workers should develop and encourage healthy eating patterns and positive attitudes to food. Children learn from others about food preferences and how to eat.
Food hygiene is essential
Careful preparation of food and correct food handling techniques are important. Childcare centres must observe the following principles:
- Cooks and staff who are trained in correct food service techniques
- Correct food handling by children and staff
- Adequate hand washing by staff and children
- Correct use of serving utensils
- Correct sharing of food at tables (for example, when fruit platters are shared).
- Correct storage and reheating of food and drinks is important for food safety. Childcare centres that serve food should provide the following:
- Correct storage of expressed breast milk and baby milk formula.
- Correct handling and preparation of baby milk formula and breast milk for feeds.
- Safe food storage.
- Safe use of microwave ovens for heating food and drinks.
Food regulations and preschools
Local council health departments can provide help and advice regarding food safety in childcare centres. In Victoria, the requirements of the Food Act 1984 do not apply to preschools where parents or carers bring food to the preschool.
When your child takes fruit or vegetables for morning tea or takes their own lunch, the preschool is not subject to the Food Act requirements, even if the preschool staff or parents cut up the fruit and vegetables and place them on a platter to be shared. However, everyone should follow the basic hygiene rules of hand washing.
Menus should be on display
A childcare centre nutrition policy should provide guidelines for all aspects of meal preparation and service to cooks, staff and parents. Regulations require that menus are on display and that you are able to provide feedback on meals provided.
Food allergies
On rare occasions, a life-threatening situation for a child with severe food allergy can occur within a childcare setting. Many centres have a food allergy policy in order to limit the risk associated with severe food allergy reactions. Childcare staff should be made aware of your child’s food allergies and food intolerance.
Dental health
Children who consume high sugar foods and drinks risk tooth decay. Around 50 per cent of all primary school children seen by the School Dental Service in Victoria have signs of dental decay. Nutrition policies in childcare centres should include dental health guidelines.
Key principles should include:
- Baby feeding bottles should not contain sweet drinks.
- Baby feeding bottles should not be used to settle children at rest times.
- Sugary snacks should be limited.
- Children should not get sweet foods as rewards for good behaviour.
- Teeth brushing should be encouraged after meals.
Safety
Safety at mealtimes is important. Centres should follow these basic food safety rules:
- Food should be the correct size so that children can chew and swallow their food easily.
- Nuts and other hard foods that are difficult for young children to chew should be avoided.
- Children should not be force-fed.
- Children should be seated quietly at mealtimes.
- Children should be supervised when eating.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local council
- Your Maternal and Child Health nurse
- An Accredited Practising Dietitian, contact the Dietitians Association of Australia
- Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5522
Things to remember
- Children may eat a large proportion of their daily food consumption in childcare.
- Childcare centres should adhere to hygiene regulations and nutrition standards.
- Childcare centres should be aware of your child’s food allergies and intolerances.
You might also be interested in:
Child nutrition - juices and sweet drinks.
Eating tips for children (1) - babies.
Eating tips for children (2) - young toddlers.
Eating tips for children (3) - older toddlers.
Healthy eating for kids.
Healthy eating tips.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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