section c: policy examples, additional information and ...file/ecs...2 policy area 1: healthy drink...

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Healthy children’s settings

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The policy provides an organised structure to promote and encourage the aims of healthy eating and active play.

The policy highlights to parents and the wider community the importance of an organised approach in encouraging healthy eating and active play amongst preschool children.

The policy will provide ongoing assistance to families in the form of appropriate brochures, newsletters and support in establishing and maintaining healthy eating and a more active lifestyle.

The policy has been developed from March 2007 by the teacher-in-charge, staff members, the Committee of Management, President, Secretary and Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

The Committee of Management adopted and ratified this policy at its Committee meeting on 19th September 2007.

This policy document will be displayed in the Policies Folder in the foyer of the Preschool along with all the other policies.

• Topromotetheimportanceofdrinkingwater.

• ToencourageandrolemodelhealthyeatinghabitsandtoLimit‘Sometimes’Foodsprovided by the service or brought from home.

• Toensurethechildrenparticipateinarangeofactiveplayexperiencesduringsessionsatkindergartenbothindoorsandoutdoors.

• Toensureallstaffmembersactivelypromotethekeyelementsofthe Healthy Eating And Active Play Policy including providing age appropriate traffic educationandinformationencouragingtheimportanceoflimitingscreen’time.

• Toprovideleadershippromotinghealthyeating,drinkingwaterandactiveplayexperienceswithinthePreschoolenvironmentandinthewidercommunity.

• ToensuretheHealthy Eating and Active Play Policy is embedded in other policies within the centre including the Fundraising Policy.

Catjump Preschool, Doncaster East



Section C: Policy examples, additional information and appendices

Goal of policy

Role of the policy

Policy development and implementation

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Policy Area 1: Healthy drink choices

Childrenwillbeprovidedwithwaterandmilkasthemaintwosourcesoffluidintake.Childrenunder12monthsofagewillhavecooledboiledwaterandbreastorformulamilk.Childrenintheolderroomswillbeprovided with water as they require it through water storage containers withineachroom.Milkand/orwaterareprovidedatregularintervals asindicatedontheweeklymenu–morningtea,afternoonteaandlunch time.

• Warrandyte&DistrictPreschoolwillensurethattheonlydrinkconsumed by the children at the service will be water.

• Parentsaretoprovidetheirchildwithanamedwatercontainer.

• Waterwillbeavailableforthechildrentoconsumeatalltimesduring indoor and outdoor activities.

• Waterwillbeaccessibletothechildrenatalltimes (e.g.waterbottles/watercooler/jugs).

• Parentsaretobegiveninstructionsonhygieneofwaterbottles.

Example 1

Drinks provided

Knaith Road Childcare Centre

Example 2

Healthy drink choices

Warrandyte & District Preschool

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• Fruitandvegetablesareencouragedatsnackandlunchtimes.

• Childrenareaskedtoeatapieceoffruitfirstatsnacktime.

• Parentsareencouragedtofollowthissuggestion,withinformation provided at enrolment and in newsletters.

• Childrenwillbeintroducedtotheconceptof“everydayfoods and sometimes foods”.

• Ifpossibleadietitianwillvisitthekinderannuallytodiscuss and emphasise this concept.

Inthechildcare;

• Freshfruitandvegetablesareprovidedeverydayinthemenuplanning for children in the child care.

• Parentsareencouragedtobringafreshpieceoffruittoadd to the fruit platters for morning and afternoon tea.

• Copiesofmenusand‘recipeoftheweek’areavailableforparents.

• Healthyfoodpostersaredisplayedaroundthecentre.

• Staffdiscusshealthyeatingwithchildrenincentreprograms and during meal times.

• Informationprovidedinnewslettersforfamiliesincluding recipes, tip sheets etc.

Inthepreschool;

• Parentsareencouragedtosupplyhealthylunchboxchoices suchasfruitand/orvegetablesforkindergartenchildren.

• Parentsandchildrenareencouragedtobringapieceoffruit/vegetable to share in the morning and afternoon tea platters.

• Ideasforhealthylunchboxesareprovidedtoparentsonenrolmentinhandbooks.

• Parentsareencouragedtoparticipateinfruitdutyduring thekindersessions.

• Informationconveyedinnewslettersforfamiliesincludingrecipes, tip sheets.

Policy Area 2: Healthy snacks and lunch

Example 1

Fresh fruit and vegetables are encouraged in lunchboxes

St Andrews Uniting Care Kindergarten, Warragul

Example 2

Healthy snacks and lunch provided by the service or brought from home

Kialla Children’s Centre

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Through educational food discussion with the children in their care, staff will be able to assist them in choosing foods which are nutritionally sound. The eating environment will be set up to encourage childrentoparticipateinanenjoyableandsocialmealtimeexperience.

Children in the older rooms will have the opportunity to set up the tablesfortheirpeersplacingtablecloths,nametagsand/orflowers on tables which will create an appropriate meal atmosphere. Staff will role model positive food choices, discuss food and nutrition, prepare food with children, provide simple health messages, encourage self-helpskills,socialinteractions,peersupportandencouragegoodhygiene practice.

• Childrenareencouragedtotasteandexperiencealltypesoffoodand to learn through imitation and observation. Staff members sit with the children and have a small portion of the meal provided.

• Childrenareencouragedtoeat,notforced.Foodwillnotbeusedas a reward or as a form of punishment either by its provision or denial. Food will not be used to provide comfort to children.

• Toassistinthepreventionofchokingsituations:

• Staffwillsupervisechildrenatalltimeswheneating

• Childrenarealsorequiredtobeseatedatalltimeswheneating

• Childrenwillnotbeofferedfoodwhilelaughingorupset

• Meatwillbecutintosuitablepiecesbeforebeingoffered to children.

• Mealtimesareavaluablesocialanddevelopmentallearningopportunity and conversation between children and staff is encouraged within the group sitting at a table. Staff supports eachchild’sindependencewhereverpossibleanddevelopmentallyappropriateselfhelpskillsareencouraged.

• Childrenareencouragedtotrynewtastes.Staffwillconsultwithparentsifanyongoingissuesariseregardingtheirchild’seating.

• Childrenwithfoodallergies/intoleranceswillbecateredfor.

• Whereandwhenpossible,childrenwillbeinvolvedinthefoodpreparation, under staff supervision and within the guidelines ofthecentre’sFoodSafetyProgram.

• Multiculturalmealsareincorporatedintothemenustoensure that children not only have the opportunity to try new tastes but also gain some awareness of cultural diversity with regards to food varieties.

• Waterisreadilyavailabletochildrenatalltimes.

Policy Area 3: Meal times and eating environments

Example 1

Fresh fruit and vegetables are encouraged in lunchboxes


Example 2

Meal time environment

North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre

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Meal times are seen as an opportunity for developing independence Theserviceencouragesthisbyenablingchildren:

• Toassistwithsettingandcleaningtables.

• Servingownfood.

• Pouringofdrinks(olderchildren).

Meal times should always be pleasant occasions. TheServiceensuresthisby:

• Encouragingchildrentotaste/tryallfoods,notforcingchildren to eat.

• Providingattractive,appealingfood.

• Discussingnutritionandfoodinapositiveway.

• Planningmealtimesforchildrensotheyarerelaxed.

• Encouragingconversationbetweenchildren.

• Positiverolemodellingfromstaffbyeatingwithchildren.

• Respectingindividualchildren’slikesanddislikes.

• Notusingfoodasarewardorforpunishmentorto provide comfort.

Policy Area 3: Meal times and eating environments

Example 3

Meal times

Montgomery Park Children’s Centre

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• Weonlydrinkwateratourkinder.

• ‘Sometimes’foodsarediscouragedfromlunchboxes. Pre-packageditemssuchaschips,chocolates,lollies,muesliand fruit bars are discouraged from being brought from home. Childrenareencouragedtoeat‘healthy’foodsfirstintheir lunchboxandtoleave‘sometimes’foodsathome.

• Parentsaregivenmanyinformativehandoutsthroughoutthe year which include our nutritional and well being policy, ideas, articles, tip sheets, fact sheets and suggestions around healthy living/healthybodies–includingareferencelistof‘everyday’ and‘sometimes’foods.

Inthechildcare;

• Menusaredevelopedbasedontheguidelinesofthe‘EatRightStartRight’program,whichincludesavarietyofhealthyandnutritious foods.

• Foodshighinsugar,fatandsaltarenotincludedinmenus. Drinksprovidedbythecentreareonlywaterormilkand children’sdrinkbottlesareonlytobefilledwithwater.

• Foyerdisplays,newsletterarticlesandotherwritteninformation(e.g.tipsheets,resourcebooks,andpamphlets)areprovidedtofamiliesatleast6timesayear.Newslettersincludeakitchensection each month with a range of recipes, articles, etc. for families and staff.

• Foodisnotusedasareward,incentiveorascomfort.

• Thechildrenhaveopportunitiesforcookingexperienceswhilstin child care and staff provide information in their programs to promote healthy food choices.

Inthepreschool;

• Pre-packageditemssuchaschips,chocolates,lollies,muesli and fruit bars are not included in programs and discouraged fromlunchboxes.

• Foodisnotusedasareward,incentiveorascomfort.

• Thechildrenlearnabouthealthyfoodchoicesinthepreschoolprogram,whichincludescookingexperiences,breakfastday,booksandotherresourcesasplannedbythestaff.

• Parenteducationisprovidedusingnewsletters,books,pamphlets and other written information aimed at promoting optimum health for young children.

• Foodshighinsugar,fatandsaltarenotincludedinmenus. Drinksprovidedbythecentreareonlywaterormilkand children’sdrinkbottlesareonlytobefilledwithwater.

Example 1

Limiting ‘Sometimes’ Foods brought from home

Doncaster Gardens Preschool

Example 2

Limiting ‘Sometimes’ Foods in the service & brought from home


Policy Area 4: Limit ’Sometimes’ Foods and Drinks

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Policy Area 5: Food is not used as a reward, incentive or for comfort

• Childrenwillbesupervisedwhileeatingatalltimes.

• Staffwillsitwiththechildrenandeatandenjoythesamefood.

• Staffwillpromoteapositive,relaxed,socialeatingenvironment.

• Staffpromotepositivediscussionaboutfoodbeingservedto the children.

• Foodwillnotbeusedaspunishment,rewardortoprovidecomfort.

• Children’sfoodpreferenceswillberespected.

• Staffencourageselfhelpandindependenceduringmealtime.

• Staffwillnotusefoodasareward,incentiveorforcomfort.

• Staffwillusearangeofstrategiestoaccommodatethis, such as verbal and non-verbal recognition, praise and encouragement,empathyrewardchartsandstickers, useofa‘snuggleblanket’,orahugforcomfort.

• Staffwillensureparentsaremadeawareoftheseandalsoprovide guidance in the use of these for the home situation as well.

Example 1

Meal Times

The Good Shepherd Child Care Centre

Example 2

Limit ‘Sometimes’ Foods – food is not used as a reward, incentive or for comfort


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Policy Area 6: Active play environment

Rationale: ToensureallchildrenatFrankstonFamilyDayCareareprovided with appropriate, frequent and varied physical activity opportunities,focusingonenjoymentandparticipation,encouragingpositive physical activity habits in all children.

Procedure 1. Participation

• Everychildisprovidedwithequalencouragementtoallow themtoacquireskillsanddevelopconfidence.

• Gender,cultural,ageandindividualdifferencesareconsidered when planning activities.

• Asenseoffairplayandcourtesyamongchildrenisencouraged to promote a friendly playing environment.

• Playexperiencesshouldbeinclusiveofallchildren.

• Carersactasgoodrolemodelsofphysicallyactivebehaviour.

• Allphysicalactivitysessionsmustbeadequatelysupervised by carers.

2. Amount and types of physical activity

• Programplansincorporateavarietyofoutdooraswellasindooractiveplayexperiencessuchasdance,drama,movingtomusic,climbing and active games on a daily basis.

• Toddlersareencouragedtoparticipateinatleast30minutes of structured play per day.

• Preschoolersareencouragedtoparticipateinatleast60minutes of structured play per day.

• Toddlersandpreschoolersshouldparticipateinatleast60 minutes and up to several hours of unstructured play per day.

• Todecreasesedentaryactivities,childrenwillbeencouraged to play outdoors with free and creative active play activities.

• Carerswillvaryactivitysessionstoincorporateaspectsofendurance,flexibilityandstrength.

• Physicalactivityisplannedtoencourageallchildrenandcater for a range of abilities.

• Encourageparentstowalkorridewithchildrentoserviceifthedistance is suitable.

• Inadverseweatherconditions,outdoorplayingtimeissubstitutedwith equivalent indoor activities.

• Warm-upandcooldownexercisesaccompanyallphysicalactivities.

3. Learning about Physical activity

• Childrenlearnabouttheimportanceofphysicalactivityforfuturehealth.

• Theserviceprovidesphysicalactivityinformationandguidelines for carers and parents.

• Ageappropriatetrafficsafetyeducation,includingpedestrianandcar safety and playing safely, is provided as part of the program tochildrenandtheirparents/carersintheservice.Thesewillbepromotedindailypracticewhenoutwalking,intheparkandin playexperienceswithintheprogram.

Reference: Kids – ‘Go For Your Life’

Example 1

Active Play/Physical Activity

Frankston Family Day Care

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Policy Area 6: Active play environment

Warrandyte&DistrictPreschoolhasadailystructuredandfreeactiveplay as a significant component of the program plan.

• Thestaffwillencourageallchildrentoparticipateinarangeofindoorandoutdooractiveplayexperiencesforatleast1/3of the session time. This will usually be dedicated to outdoor play, regardless of the weather conditions, as we have a large undercover environment, including our large sandpit. The children require a reasonable amount of time in the fresh air every day.

• Thestaffwillensurethatthechildrenaretaughttodressforthe weather conditions, and will also send notices home to the parents to this effect.

• Thestaffwillensurethatavarietyofindoorandoutdooractiveplayexperiencessuchasdance,drama,movingtomusic,climbing,building,digging,somersaulting,hurdling,ballskills,obstaclecourses,jumpingfromvariousheights,digginginthedigging patch, etc, are planned to encourage all children, and to also cater for a range of abilities.

• Thestaffwillensurethatarangeofsensoryexperiencesand finemotor,aswellasgrossmotorexperiencesareavailable at all times.

• ThestaffwillprovideanindoorPerceptualMotorProgramincorporating such concepts as body image, visual motor, eye-hand co-ordination, eye-foot co-ordination, balance, symmetrical activities, form perception, rhythm, and so on.

Example 2

Active Play/Physical Activity


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Policy Area 7: Staff and program planning - Screen time

Staff and Program Planning – Turn Off, Switch to Play

Warrandyte&DistrictPreschoolexcludesscreen(TV/DVD/Video/computers)timeinthisservice.Wedonothaveanyofthesemachinesin the playroom for the children to access.

• Parentsareencouragedtofilterandlimittheirchildren’sscreentime at home.

• Staffwillprovideinformationtoparentsabouttheimpactoftoomuch,orinappropriate,screentimeontheirchild’soveralldevelopment.

Screen time is excluded or restricted in the service

• ThereisnoscreentimeatthePreschool.

• Childrenareempoweredtobepartofthedecisionto‘switchoff’.

• Thechildrenwillparticipateinbrainstormingsessionsandotheractivities to develop and share ideas of things they could do insteadofscreentime.Forexample,in2007thechildrenasagrouprespondedtothequestion,“Whatcouldyoudoinsteadof watching television or playing computer that helps your body grow strong and healthy?”

• Parentsandfamiliesaresupportedinlimitingtheirchildren’sscreen time through newsletters, articles and sharing group bookssuchasthebookof‘switchoff’worksheetswhichwasavailable through the borrowing library.

• ThePreschoolisastrongadvocateforactiveplay,rolemodellingawellorganisedandfunprogramthatbuildschildren’sskillsand self confidence. The children are encouraged to develop their interest in play at home and parents are given tips with inexpensiveactivityideas.

• SwimschoolsandjuniorsportsprogramssuchasLittleAthleticsandsoccer’sGoalkickarepromotedthroughthePreschool.

• Parentsareencouragedbythestafftonetworkwithoneanotherandorganiseplaydatesattheparkormeetafteraswimlessontopromoteasenseofcommunityandsupport.Reducingtheisolation felt by many families in raising children has the side benefitofchildrenbeingexposedtolessscreentimeandmoreactive play opportunities.

Example 1

Screen policy


Example 2

Screen policy

Catjump Preschool

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Policy Area 7: Staff and program planning - Screen time

Staff and Program Planning – Turn Off, Switch to Play

Inthechildcare:

• TheTelevision(DVD/Video)islimitedtospecialoccasions and for the purpose of educating children through programs (e.g.Roadsafetyvideos).

• Thetelevisionisnotusedonaregularbasisatanytime.

Inthepreschool:

• TheTelevision(DVD/Video)islimitedtospecialoccasions and for the purpose of educating children through programs (e.g.Roadsafetyvideos).

• Thetelevisionisnotusedonaregularbasisatanytime.

• Thecomputerisusedintheprogramsundertheguidanceof the staff. Programs will be educational.

• Staffwillensurethatchildrenspendnomorethan15minutes at a time on computers in the preschool. The child care children do not have access to a computer in their respective rooms.

Example 3

Screen policy


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Policy Area 8: Staff and program planning – Pedestrian & car safety and playing safety

• VicRoadssafetyprogramimplemented.

• Informationprovidedtoparentsandsafepracticesencouraged onexcursions.

• Childrenbecomefamiliarwithemergencyservicessuchas police, ambulance, fire brigade.

• Visitsby/topolice,ambulance,firebrigade.

Inthechildcareandpreschool:

• Staffwillprovidetrafficsafetyeducationintheirprogramsusing avarietyofmethodsthatareappropriatetothechildren’sagesand abilities.

• Thecentrewillprovideinformationtofamiliesontrafficsafetyeducationvianewsletters,pamphlets,books,videosandtipsheets at least twice a year.

• Staffwillprovideopportunitiesforchildrentolearnaboutsafetythroughplannedexcursionswheretheywillhavetheopportunityto practice what they have learned e.g. holding hands, wearing bikehelmets,crossingtheroad,sittingonabussafelyetc.

Example 1

Traffic safety education


Example 2

Traffic safety education


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Policy Area 9: Families and community

• Thispolicyisreviewedbi-yearlyinconsultationwithstaff,parents, parent management committee and information from recognised authorities. Parents input will be sought, staff will be consulted and relevant and current guidelines will be used accessed and referred to. The policy is made available to parents andstaffthroughourpolicyhandbook.ItisalsodisplayedintheCentrefoyer,withourweeklymenu.

• Parentsareprovidedwithnutritionalinformationonaregularbasis through pamphlets, brochures, information sheets available at any time, displays on the noticeboards in the hallways and in the quarterly newsletters.

• ACentrerecipebookwhichincorporatesalltherecipesusedforthechildren’smenusisavailabletoparentsatasmallcost.

• ThecriteriatoachievetheKids–‘Goforyourlife’Awardhavebeenembeddedinotherpoliciesatthepreschool.Examplesincludethe SunSmart policy, Excursion policy and Fundraising policy.

• FamiliesareinformedofthepoliciesonPreschooltoursaspart of the enrolment process. Families are also made aware ofthepoliciesthroughthepreschoolinterviewhandbookgivento parents at the beginning of the year. The complete policy handbookisavailableatalltimesforparentstoreadandislocatedinthecentre’sfoyerarea.Newsletters,displayboardsand parent information nights are other opportunities to inform parentsofthePreschool’spolicies.

Example 1

Communication

North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre

Example 2

Families and Community

Catjump Preschool

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Primary ResourceKids–’Go for your life’ Starter Pack

TheStarterPackisanexcellentresourceandcontainsmany supportive materials and related documents.

Secondary ResourcesORGANISATION WEBSITE ADDRESS

Kids–‘Goforyourlife’ www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/kids

FillingtheGaps,StartRightEatRight,Kids–’Goforyourlife’Fruitandvegetable ProgramSmiles 4 Miles

http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/articles.nsf/pracpages/Kids _ Go _ for _ your _ life?open

KindergartenParentsVictoria www.kpv.org.au

AustralianDietaryGuidelines www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/dietsyn.htm

NutritionAustralia http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/Nutrition _ for _ all _ ages/Children/children _ index.asp

NationalAssociationforSport &PhysicalEducation (NASPEguidelines)

http://www.aahperd.org/NASPE/template.cfm?template=ns _ active.html

Be Sun Smart SunSmart policy

www.sunsmart.com.au/ www.sunsmart.com.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=1552

Fresh food ideas VictoriaMarket–MarketFresh

http://www.marketfresh.com.au/training/schools _program.asp

VicRoads Roadsafetyprogram

www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/RoadSafetyEducation/PrePrimarySchoolAge.htm

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Starter pack

Early childhood service

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(Referstopolicyareas2&4)

Food requirements of a two-week menu for a long day care centre

Usethischecklistwhenplanningmenustoensuremenusarenutritionallybalancedand that all food groups are included.

Main meals:

Leanredmeatisincludedonthemenuatleastfourtimesperfortnight.

Leanwhitemeatisincludedonthemenuatleastthreetimesperfortnight.

Vegetarianmealsareincludedonthemenuatleasttwotimesperfortnight.

Vegetarianmealscontaineggs,cheese,tofu,legumes/driedbeansornuts.

Anironcontainingfoodisservedwithvegetarianmealse.g.wholemealbread,legumes suchasbakedbeans,lentils,tofu,anddarkgreenvegetablessuchassilverbeet,spinach,broad beans, peas, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage.

AfruitorvegetablehighinvitaminCisservedwitheachvegetarianmeale.g.citrusfruits,cantaloupe,kiwifruit,strawberries,pawpaw,broccoli,brusselsprouts,capsicum,cauliflower, peas and tomato.

Meals high in fat are not served more than once per fortnight.

Vegetables:

Themenuincludesatleastoneserveofvegetablesdaily–usesmalleramountsoftwo tothreedifferentvegetablestomakeoneserve.

Atleastfivedifferentvegetablesareofferedeachweek.

Fruit:

Themenuincludesatleastoneserveoffruitdaily–usesmalleramountsoftwo differentfruitstomakeoneserve.

Atleastfivedifferentfruitsareofferedeachweek.

Fruitjuiceisnotofferedasadrink,evenifdiluted.

Dairy foods:

Themenuincludesatleastthreeservesofmilkfoodsperday–onlyfullcreammilkis offeredtochildrenundertwoyears;childrenovertwoyearsmaybeofferedlowfatmilk butnotskimmilk.

Creamandsourcreamarenotsubstitutesformilk,yoghurtorcheese.

Breads and cereals:

Themenuincludesatleasttwoservesofbread,cereal,riceorpastaperday–atleast threedifferenttypesareofferedeachweek.

Wholemealorhighfibrevarietiesareincludedatleastfourtimesperfortnight.

Snacks and desserts:

Snacksareplannedonthemenuaspartoftheday’sintake.

Ateachsnacktime,fruitorvegetableorbreadorcereal-basedfoodandmilkfood appear on the menu.

Snacksanddessertshighinfatandorsugararenotincludedonthemenu.

Drinks:

Onlywaterandplainmilkareoffered.Sweetdrinksincludingfruitjuicearenotavailable.

Waterisfreelyavailableduringtheday.

Source: Start Right Eat Right, Gowrie Victoria

Menu planning – Food frequency checklist

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Itisworthwhilehavingafundraisingpolicytoensurethatyourservicepromoteshealthy choices wherever possible. There are plenty of alternative fundraising ideas.

Healthy eating events

• HealthyBBQs,e.g.Leanhamburgers,vegetableburgers,BBQcorn.

• Fruitstallsatfetes,e.g.fruitskewers,smoothies,andfreshjuices,chilledgrapes, cut up strawberries.

• Appleslinkymachines–earlychildcareservicesandschoolscanpurchasethemand sellthemonmaking$10perunit(ContactHillmarkIndustrieson1800671109)

• HealthyCookbooks–compilehealthyrecipesfromteachers,parentsandchildrenand sellthebooktothecommunity

• Personaliserecipeswithphotosordrawingstocreateacookbook

• HotCrossBunDrive.

• Specialmenuitemsforawarenessweeksandspecialdays,forexample,aspecialmenu forChineseNewYearorEaster.

Healthy living events

• Walk-a-thon,obstacle-a-thon,dance-a-thon.

• DiscountVoucherstoGyms,SportingClubsandRecreationCentres(forparents).

Social events

• Cinemanights

• Trivianights

• Fetesandconcerts

• Rafflesandsilentauctions

Other

Fundraising IdeasC

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B• SunSmarthappyhats

• Personalisedplates,mugsandteatowels

• Discountvoucherbooks

• Secondhandbookstall

• Mothers’andFathers’DaysGiftstalls

• Giftwrapping,e.g.forChristmasgiftstall

• Tupperwarelunchboxdrive.

• Toothpaste/toothbrushfundraiser

• Children’sstickersandlabels

• Craftprojectkits

• Personalisedt-shirts

• Fruitandvegetableboxes

• Apples/fruitdirectfromgrower

• Printedteatowelswithkid’sdrawings or photos

• Healthyfoodsnacks

• Re-usableclothshoppingbagswith alogoorchildren’sowndesigns

• Children’stoys

• Punnetsofseedlings/bulbs

• Locallywrittenbooks

• Greetingcardsprintedwithchildren’s artwork

• Theatreandmovietickets

• Stationeryitems

• Newspaperandmagazinesubscriptions

• Sunscreenfundraiser

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(Referstopolicyarea4)

Birthdays and cultural events may involve the use of ‘sometimes’ foods.

Itisimportanttoconsiderprovidingguidelinesontheuseoffoodincelebrations.Thiswill help to incorporate healthy eating in all aspects of the program and provide guidance for decisionmaking.Clearguidelineswillassiststafftoexplainrequirementstoparentsandmayincludeinformationonlimitingtheuseof‘sometimes’foods,balancingtheuseof‘sometimes’foodand‘everyday’foods.Foodsafetyandcateringforchildrenwithfoodallergiesalsoneed tobeconsideredinthesecelebrations.RefertorelevantpoliciessuchasAnaphylaxisandHygiene policies.

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Special occasions/birthdays

Celebrations within the setting can be a good opportunity to be creative in thewayitiscelebratedAcakeisonlyoneofmanywaystocelebrateaspecialoccasion.Otherwaysofcelebratinginclude:

• Tellingafavouritestory• Lightingandblowingoutcandles• Agrouptimeshowandtell• Singinganddancing• Wearingahat/badgefortheday• Specialresponsibilitiesfortheday

Whencakesorsweetsarebroughtforchildrentoshareit’sagoodideafor‘everyday’foodssuchasfruitandvegetablestobeservedatthesametime. This will help encourage responsible food choices, promote the use of ‘everyday’foodsincelebrationsandavoidtheassociationof‘sometimes’foodwithspecialoccasions,makingthemmoredesirable.Youmayalsobeabletosource some healthy recipes, which can be used as a part of the celebrations. Toencouragegoodoralhealthchildrenareencouragedtodrinkwateraftereatingsweets(swishingthewateraroundtheirteeth).

Suggestion

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Policy Area 2: Healthy snacks and lunch


Table 1: Physical activity guidelines for infants

Guideline 1 Infantsshouldinteractwithparentsand/orcaregiversindailyphysicalactivitiesthatarededicatedtopromotingtheexplorationoftheirenvironment

Guideline 2 Infantsshouldbeplacedinsafesettingsthatfacilitatephysicalactivityanddonot restrict movement for prolonged periods of time

Guideline 3 Infants’physicalactivityshouldpromotethedevelopmentofmovementskills

Guideline 4 Infantsshouldhaveanenvironmentthatmeetsorexceedsrecommendedsafety standards for performing large muscle activities

Guideline 5 Individualsresponsibleforthewell-beingofinfantsshouldbeawareoftheimportanceofphysicalactivityandfacilitatethechild’smovementskills

Table 2: Guidelines for toddlers and preschoolers

Guideline 1 Toddlersshouldaccumulateatleast30minutesdailyofstructuredphysicalactivity;preschoolersatleast60minutes

Guideline 2 Toddlers and preschoolers should engage in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours of daily, unstructured physical activity and should not be sedentaryformorethan60minutesatatimeexceptwhensleeping

Guideline 3 Toddlersshoulddevelopmovementskillsthatarebuildingblocksformorecomplexmovementtasks;preschoolersshoulddevelopcompetenceinmovementskillsthatarebuildingblocksformorecomplexmovementtask

Guideline 4 Toddlers and preschoolers should have indoor and outdoor areas that meet orexceedrecommendedsafetystandardsforperforminglargemuscleskills

Guideline 5 Individualsresponsibleforthewell-beingoftoddlersandpreschoolersshould be aware of the importance of physical activity and facilitate the child’smovementskills

Recommendations:

1. Earlychildhoodworkersshouldsetuptheenvironmenttoencouragestructuredactive play activities in early childhood settings.

2. Aminimumof30minuteseachdayshouldbeallocatedtostructuredactiveplayinthe earlychildhoodsetting.(4yearoldkindergarten).Thelengthofthestructuredactiveplaysessionin3yearoldkindergartengroupswillbedependentonthelengthofthesession.

3. Thetimecanbedividedupinto10and15-minuteactiveplaysessionsduringtheday.4. The structured activities can be with small groups of children or the group as a whole.

Itisimportantthatmostofthechildrenareactiveformostofthetimeduringthestructuredactive play session.

5. Activitiesmayincludesonganddance,imaginativemovement,gamesand obstacle courses.

6. The30minutesofstructuredactiveplayisinadditiontofreeplaytime.7. Integratesomestructuredactiveplayintochildren’sfreeplaytimebyprovidingthe

childrenwithgamestheycanplayduringthesetimes.Replicationalsoallowsthemto learn and remember how to carry out the activities correctly.

Remember:

• Earlychildhoodworkersneedtobepositiverolemodelsbyparticipatinginthephysicalactivitysessionswiththechild(ren)andpromotingtheimportanceofregularphysicalactivity for a healthy life.

• Equipmentforactiveplayisflexibletoallowforrearrangementtochallengechildren’sphysicalskillsi.e.obstaclecourses,climbingandjumping.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Children Birth to Five YearsbytheNationalAssociationforSport&PhysicalEducation(NASPE).

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CurrentlyAustraliafollowstheAmericanScreenGuidelines. TheAmericanscreentimeguidelinesspecificallytargetpreschool-agedchildren, andareasfollows:

Please note: Werecommendthatyouincludeallscreentimeinthoselimits, so this includes computer time, electronic games etc.

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•Notelevisionviewingforchildrenundertheageof2years;

•Nomorethan1-2hoursofTVandvideoperdayfor childrenolderthan2years;and

•Parentsshouldmonitorprogramming,viewwiththeirchildren and adolescents, and encourage alternative entertainment, such as reading, athletics, hobbies, and creative play. (American Academy of Paediatrics 2005)

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Goal:Tomeetfoodsafetyrequirementsatkindergarten.

Rationale: Food poisoning is frequently caused by bacteria from food that has been poorly handled,storedorcooked.Wherefoodhandlingisinvolved,irrespectiveofwhetherthefood is part of a contract of sale or provided by parents, it is a requirement of the Child Care Act 1991 that food handlers observe good health and hygiene practices.

Procedures: Staff must be able to demonstrate that all reasonable precautions and due diligencehasbeenexercisedinadheringtofoodsafetypractiseswhetherfoodisprovided from the home by the early childhood setting.

1. Communication:

• Familieswillbeprovidedwithacopyofthispolicyandtheotherrelevantfoodsafetyinformation upon enrolment of their child at the centre.

• EducationandfeedbackwillbeencouragedfromallfamiliesandtheyaretobegiventheopportunitytodiscussaspectsoffoodsafetywiththeKindergartenteacherifdesired.

• PersonalHygieneguidelineswillbeclearlydisplayedinthefoodpreparationareaforthereference of staff and families involved with preparation or distribution of food to children.

• Familieswillbeinformedofavailablecoldstorageatkindergartentoensureparentsmakesuitable food choices.

2. When food is provided by parents

• Wherechildrenbringfruitorvegetablesforsnackorbringtheirownlunch,thekindergartenisnotsubjecttotheFoodAct1984requirementsevenifthekindergartenstafforparentscutupthefruit/vegetablesandplacethemonaplatterforsharing.

• Whenstafforparentspreparethefoodforthechildrentoshare,thefollowingpracticesneedtobecarriedouttoensurethefoodissafetoeat:

• Staff/parentstowash&dryhandsthoroughlybeforepreparingthefood

• Childrentowash&drytheirhandsbeforeeating

• Childrentotakethefoodtheytouchandnottouchotherchildren’sfood

• Eachtabletobeprovidedwithabowlforfoodscrapsforchildrentousefordiscardingunwanted or partially eaten food

• Allchildrentobesupervisedwheneating.

• Whenfoodispreparedinthehomeforsharingatkindergarten:

• Parentswillbeinformedofhygieneguidelinesandpreparationtechniques

• Creamcontainingfoodswillnotbeaccepted.

3. Storage of food

• Whenperishableitems(e.g.yoghurt,cheese,meatsandwichfillings)areprovided bythekindergartenorfamily,appropriatetemperaturestoragemustbeavailable.

e.g.refrigeratororinsulatedlunchpacks.

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(Continued)

4. When food is provided by the kindergarten

The Food Act 1984 applieswherethekindergartenispurchasingandprovidingthefoodas partofthefeeschargedforattendance.Ifthisisthecase,thekindergartenrequireslocalgovernmentregistrationandmustmeetrequirementsasaregisteredkitchen.

5. Drinks:

Foodsafetystandardswillapplywhenofferingdrinkstochildren:

• Jugsmusthavelids

• Cups&jugsmustbecleaned,handledandstoredinaccordancewiththehygieneguidelines

• Childrenmustnotsharecups

• Wherewaterbottlesareprovided,bottlesmustbelabelledforeachindividualchild,emptiedatsessionend,storedinvertedonarackandwashedinsoapywateratthe endofeachweek.

Resource Documents from:

www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/

• FoodSafetyVictoria‘Yourguidetofoodsafety’

• FoodSafetyParentInformationSheet

• PersonalHygieneguidelinesforpeopleworkingwithfood

Source: adapted from Romp & Chomp Kindergarten Parent Booklets 2008

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Goal: To create a safe and positive environment around food for all children

Rationale:Allstaffhaveadutyofcaretoensureallreasonableprecautionshavebeen exercisedinregardtothemonitoringofchildrenwithspecialdietaryrequirements.

Allergy:Inchildren,themostcommonfoodallergensarepeanut,eggandmilk.Whenthereactioninvolvestherespiratory&/orcardiovascularsystemsitistermedanaphylaxisandrequiresIMMEDIATEmedicalattention.Themajorityoffoodallergicandanaphylacticreactionsoccurinpreschoolagedchildrene.g.peanutallergy.(RefertoAnaphylaxisPolicyfordetails onhowtomanage)

Disability:Childrenmaypresentatdifferingphysicaland/orintellectualdevelopmentalstagesthatrequirespecificfoodtype,textureorquantityconsiderationse.g.cerebralpalsy.

Medical conditions: Children may present requiring specialised diets e.g. diabetes, coeliac disease.

Cultural requirements:Childrenfromdiverseculturalandreligiousbackgroundsmayhavespecific food requirements or follow specific practices.

ProceduresCommunication: Specificdetailsofanydietaryrestrictionsorrequirementsshouldberecordedinthechild’senrolment records accompanied by a management plan.

Education is an important component of risk management Specificdetailsofanydietaryrestrictionsorrequirementsshouldberecordedinthechild’senrolment records accompanied by a management plan.

To assist understanding and ensure inclusion and safety of the child with specific dietary needsstaffwill:

• Consultwiththechild’sparentstoensureappropriateeducationofallstaffandparentsregardinganyspecialrequirementsduetoachild’smedicalconditionordisability

• Gatherinformationfromothersourcese.g.medicalpractitioners,articles,organisations• Attendrelevantprofessionaldevelopmentsessions• Informationtoexplainamedicalconditionwillassistunderstandingandensureinclusion

of the child• Assistthechildandhis/herpeerstounderstandanyspecificrequirements• Provideinformationtoallparentsexplaininganyrequiredfoodrestrictionsatthecentre• Ensuretheeatingareaisappropriate:

• Childrenneedtobeseated/positionedsafelywheneating• Any‘atrisk’childtobecloselymonitoredbystaffateatingtimes.

• Ensureallfoodandlunchboxesareclearlylabelled• Foodactivitiesmayneedtobeflexibledependingonthepresenceofachildrequiring

restrictionstofoodtypeortexture• Children‘atrisk’willnotbephysicallyisolatedatanytime

Resource documentswww.allergy.org.au

• Anaphylaxismanagementplan

ASCIAGuidelinesforpreventionoffoodanaphylacticreactionsinpreschools

Source: adapted from Romp & Chomp Kindergarten Parent Booklets 2008 Kindergarten Parents Victoria (KPV)

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