Food and Nutrition
Food and nutrition play an important role in supporting children’s growth, wellbeing, and daily learning. At Village, mealtimes are part of the rhythm of the day, offering opportunities to build healthy habits, independence, and positive relationships with food.
Our meals are planned and prepared by our chefs in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and early childhood nutrition recommendations. We provide balanced, nourishing meals and snacks that support children’s growth, energy, and wellbeing throughout the day.
Mealtimes are relaxed and social, creating a positive environment where children feel comfortable trying new foods and developing their own preferences.
Our meals are prepared using fresh, quality ingredients and are designed to offer a variety of flavours and food groups. We focus on:
- Providing balanced and nutritious options
- Offering variety to encourage exploration of different foods
- Supporting healthy eating habits from an early age
Supporting Babies and the Introduction of Solids
We work closely with families to support each baby’s individual feeding journey, including the introduction of solids. Every child is different, so we follow family guidance and readiness cues to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition.
Our educators provide a calm, supportive environment where babies can explore new textures and tastes at their own pace. We communicate regularly with families to ensure consistency between home and the centre, helping build confidence for both children and parents during this important stage.
Allergies and Dietary Requirements
We take allergies and dietary requirements seriously and work closely with families to ensure every child is safe and supported at mealtimes.
Individual needs are carefully documented and shared with our team, and we follow clear processes to manage allergies, intolerances, and specific dietary preferences. This includes working with families on food plans, adapting menus where needed, and maintaining safe food handling practices.
Our educators remain attentive during meals and snacks, creating a safe and inclusive environment where all children can enjoy food with confidence.
Mealtimes as Learning Opportunities
Mealtimes are an important part of the daily routine and provide opportunities for learning and connection. Children are encouraged to:
- Develop independence through self-serving and decision-making
- Build social skills by sharing meals with others
- Learn about different foods, cultures, and healthy choices
Educators support these moments by modelling positive eating habits and creating a calm, inclusive environment.
Supporting Independence
We encourage children to take an active role during mealtimes in ways that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. This might include serving themselves, helping to set up, or being involved in simple food experiences.
These everyday moments help children build confidence, responsibility, and practical life skills.
Sample Menu
Here’s an example of what a typical day of meals may look like:
Morning Tea
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Wholegrain crackers with cheese
- Vegetable muffins
- Milk or water
Lunch
- Curried sweet potato and chickpea patties with roasted vegetables
- Brown rice or wholemeal pasta
- Water
Afternoon Tea
- Apple and rhubarb crumble with custard
- Yoghurt
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Water
Menus may vary across centres and seasons to ensure variety and freshness.
