Childcare, Schools & Education Settings

Menu Reviews and Development Support for Childcare centres, OSHC, primary & secondary schools, boarding schools

At Appetite for Nutrition, we support early learning centres, schools (including boarding schools), and out-of-school hours care (OSHC) programs to create menus that are nutritious, age-appropriate, and fully compliant with national and state regulations.

Our Accredited Practising Dietitians work closely with directors, educators, OSHC coordinators, canteen managers, and families to support healthy eating habits and positive mealtime experiences for children across all education settings.

Whether you need a menu review, support with allergies or cultural needs, or help developing practical, cost-effective menus, we tailor our services to suit your facility and budget.

Why Does This Matter?

  • 1 in 4 Australian children is overweight or obese — healthy food in care settings helps prevent chronic disease

  • Child care and school settings provide up to two-thirds of children’s daily nutrition

  • Dietitian-led planning helps ensure food supports growth, brain development, and behaviour

  • Inclusive, regulated menus promote safety, equality, and optimal health outcomes

Our Services for Childcare, OSHC & Schools

1. Menu Review & Compliance Check

Our most requested service, designed to ensure your menus meet both nutritional needs and regulatory standards.

Includes:

  • Full nutritional assessment against the Australian Dietary Guidelines for children

  • Gap analysis for key nutrients (protein, fibre, calcium, iron, etc.)

  • Menu compliance with key National Regulations, including:

    • Regulation 77 – Safe food handling and hygiene practices

    • Regulation 78 – Regular provision of food and access to safe drinking water

    • Regulation 79 – Nutritious, adequate, and culturally appropriate meals

    • Regulation 80 – Weekly menu display that accurately reflects meals provided

  • Review of portion sizes, textures, variety, and cultural or medical dietary needs

  • Clear, practical feedback with achievable, cost-conscious recommendations

Outcome: Peace of mind that your child care centre, school, OSHC program, or boarding school is meeting legal, nutritional, and community expectations.

2. Full Menu Development

We create practical, seasonal, and nutritionally balanced menus for:

  • Early childhood settings

  • Primary and secondary school canteens

  • Boarding schools with residential meal needs

Inclusive of:

  • Allergy-friendly and culturally appropriate options (e.g. halal, vegetarian)

  • Menu rotation for variety and reduced food waste

  • Meals that support learning, development, and enjoyment

3. Recipe Development & Support

  • Easy-to-follow, cost-effective recipes tailored to your kitchen and staff skill levels

  • Modifications to improve nutritional value without increasing workload or food costs

  • Child-friendly, appealing meals and snacks for fussy eaters

4. Special Dietary Requirements & Modifications

We provide safe, inclusive menu solutions for:

  • Food allergies and intolerances

  • Chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, coeliac disease)

  • Cultural and religious dietary needs (e.g. kosher, halal)

  • Advice on fortified meals or supplements for children needing additional support

5. Ongoing Support & Staff Training

  • Training for kitchen staff and educators on best practices in child nutrition, food safety, and food handling

  • Support with implementing new menus or navigating changes to regulations

  • Follow-up reviews to support continued compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF)

Why Choose Appetite for Nutrition?

✔ Experienced dietitians in child and school-based nutrition
✔ Tailored solutions for all settings – from single centres to multi-site operators
✔ Familiar with regulatory frameworks (NQS, state menu guidelines, ACECQA)
✔ Focused on quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness
✔ Available for onsite visits (VIC & QLD) or telehealth Australia-wide

Get in Touch

If you’d like to improve your facility’s menu or develop a new one, we’re here to help!
👉 Click here to complete our enquiry form for a tailored quote.

Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better you

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