Partnering with Families: Our Approach to Mealtimes

Mealtimes are about more than just feeding hungry tummies, they’re a daily opportunity for learning and connection.

Our teams are highly trained to support children’s development through shared mealtimes, ensuring every child feels included and confident.

We understand that every family’s mealtime is unique. That’s why we take time to learn about your family’s cultural, religious, and health-related food preferences from the very start.

Your child’s routines are important to us, and we do our best to reflect what happens at home.

What Mealtimes Look Like in our Centres

Role-modelling healthy habits: Educators sit and eat alongside children, demonstrating positive food choices and engaging in informal, age-appropriate conversations about what’s on the plate.
Self-help skills: Children are supported to serve themselves, sit together and feed themselves, helping to build independence.
Healthy Food Conversations: Children are invited to help make decisions about food and drinks, encouraging awareness and ownership of healthy choices.
Learning Through Routine: From food hygiene to social skills, every mealtime helps support children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Working Together with Families

From day one, we work closely with families to understand and support your child’s dietary needs and preferences.

We note important information during enrolment about allergies, cultural or religious food practices, and food-related health requirements
We invite families to contribute to menu ideas and planning, creating a sense of shared ownership and familiarity.
We regularly share resources on healthy eating and child nutrition, including recipes from our Chefs and Cooks for you to try at home (see the Meal Inspiration at Home section below).

We know that when families and our teams work together, children feel a strong sense of belonging.
Our thoughtful practices around mealtimes are just one way we support your child to grow in a safe, supportive environment.