Nutrition

Curtin University Child Care Centre acknowledges its role in providing a well balanced diet for our children as well as education on food and nutrition for children and families.

We are enthusiastic supporters of the State Governments 'Start Right - Eat Right' award program. Curtin University Child Care Centre is a certified 'Start Right - Eat Right' centre.

The Centre also has a role in providing an environment which supports the transmission of family culture and values.

We support the individual choice of breast or bottle feeding, including facilitation of demand feeding. Free pagers are available to feeding mothers so they can be easily contacted.

The Centre offers flexibility in meal times to ensure that, as far as possible, each child's needs are met.

The Centre ensures the best possible produce is purchased for children's meals. The needs of the centre shall be clearly communicated to all suppliers. The quality of every supply is checked upon delivery to ensure consistency.

The Centre ensures that all kitchen staff are trained in food handling techniques. The Centre also gives a commitment to comply with the 'Food Safe' regulations as laid down by the Local Government Authority.

When a parent requests a special diet for their child, the Centre makes all reasonable efforts to comply. However, the Centre reserves the right to request parents provide information from a Qualified Medical Practitioner or Dietician before the request will be carried out.

Where food sensitivity is suspected within the Centre, the Parent shall be advised of all ingredients, documented description of the child's reaction and be requested to consult a Qualified Medical Practitioner or Dietician.

Staff shall ensure that the children are aware of the need for, and carry out hygiene practises before and after every meal and snack.

Children are served meals in our spacious dining room, or enjoy picnic's on mild days.

Staff role model appropriate behaviour by sitting with children at their tables and eating the same food. Staff will provide parents with a record of their Child's intake each day.

Children are not forced to eat. Positive encouragement is used. The Centre will also provide a light menu alternative to the child who needs it.

Design of the menu is undertaken by the chef in consultation with Centre Management, staff, parents and children.

The menu addresses the Children's interests and individual needs, especially with respect to allergies, cultural and religious requirements. Menu design will ensure that the requirements for Children's nutrition as described by the National Health and Medical Research Council are always complied with.

The menu is displayed weekly in order to assist parents and families in their discussion with their children about their food experiences in the Centre.

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