Child Care Centres

1. Meeting National Regulations and Standards

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011), child care centres must ensure that the food and drinks they provide are nutritious and adequate in quantity. This includes taking into account the dietary needs appropriate for each child’s growth and development, as well as specific cultural, religious, or health-related requirements.

• Regulation 77 requires services to ensure adequate health and hygiene practices, as well as safe practices for handling, preparing, and storing food.
• Regulation 78 ensures that children have access to safe drinking water at all times and are offered food and beverages appropriate to each child’s needs on a regular basis throughout the day.
• Regulation 79 states that the food or beverages provided must be nutritious and adequate in quantity, chosen based on each child’s dietary requirements, including growth and development needs, as well as any specific cultural, religious, or health requirements.
• Regulation 80 requires a weekly menu to be displayed and accessible to family members, accurately describing the food and beverages to be provided each day.

Consulting with a dietitian helps ensure compliance with these regulations, providing peace of mind that your centre is meeting the necessary legal and nutritional requirements.

2. Nutrition & Health Statistics for Children in Care

Proper nutrition is essential for children’s development, and child care centres are critical in preventing health issues. Consider these important statistics:

• 1 in 4 Australian children is overweight or obese, making proper nutrition in child care centres even more important for preventing chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
• Child care centres play a crucial role in ensuring children receive the essential nutrients for brain development, healthy growth, and overall wellbeing, as per the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

By consulting with a dietitian, your centre can develop and maintain menus that support healthy weight management and prevent long-term health issues in children.

3. Support for Special Dietary Needs

Children in child care centres may have a range of dietary requirements, including allergies, intolerances, or specific cultural or religious needs. A dietitian ensures that the menu caters to these individual needs, providing safe, nutritious meals for all children.

Our Menu Review & Development Services for Child Care Centres

At Appetite for Nutrition, we offer a range of menu services that ensure your child care centre’s meals meet both regulatory standards and the unique nutritional needs of children. Our services include:

1. Menu Review & Compliance Check

• Nutritional assessment of your current menu against the Australian Dietary Guidelines for children.
• Identification of gaps in nutrition, such as protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Ensuring that meals are culturally appropriate, cater to allergies, and meet texture-modified diet requirements.
• Practical, cost-effective recommendations to enhance menu quality and variety.

2. Full Menu Development

• Creation of nutritionally balanced menus tailored to meet the needs of children in different age groups.
• Incorporation of seasonal menu planning to keep meals fresh, varied, and exciting.
• Ensuring meals cater to children’s food preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options.

3. Recipe Development & Support

• Easy-to-follow recipes with ingredient lists and preparation steps for kitchen staff.
• Support in modifying recipes to ensure they are aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines and dietary requirements.
• Cost-effective and practical recipes that are easy to prepare and suitable for your kitchen team.

4. Special Dietary Requirements & Modifications

• Development of menus that accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and special dietary needs, including vegetarian, kosher, and halal.
• Ensuring the menu supports children with specific health conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease.
• Assistance with fortified meals and supplements if children need additional nutritional support.

5. Ongoing Support & Staff Training

• Training for your kitchen and care staff on best practices for meal preparation, food safety, and nutritional needs of children.
• Assistance in implementing menu changes smoothly to ensure staff and children adapt easily.
• Follow-up consultations and reviews to ensure continued compliance with regulations and nutritional standards.

Why Choose Appetite for Nutrition for Your Child Care Centre?

✔ Expert Dietitians – Our team is specialized in child nutrition and menu planning for child care centres.
✔ Customized Solutions – We provide personalized menu development and reviews to meet the specific needs of the children in your care.
✔ Compliance & Quality – We ensure your meals meet Australian regulations while offering nutritionally balanced meals.
✔ Seasonal Menu Planning – We offer seasonal menu options to ensure variety and freshness throughout the year.
✔ Government Funding Expertise – We are well-versed in working with government programs like NDIS, Medicare, and Home Aged Care Packages, ensuring seamless integration with funding sources.
✔ Onsite & Telehealth Services – We offer onsite visits in Victoria and Queensland and telehealth support Australia-wide.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to improve your child care facility’s menu or develop a new one, we’re here to help! Contact Appetite for Nutrition today to discuss your needs and get a tailored quote.