How do we decide on our weekly menu? Our menu has been created after listening to the ideas of our families and their children. When menu planning, we follow the guidelines outlined in the ‘Eat Smart Play Smart’ guide for out of school hours care. We ensure all food options are low fat, low sugar and provide a wide range of nutrients for the children in care. Often the menu contains produce from our veggie patch.
Do we cater for children with dietary requirements? At Poosh our educators respond to each child’s daily nutritional needs, eating patterns, food preferences, cultural differences in relation to health and dietary requirements and this is taken into consideration with menu planning. Poosh educators’ model healthy eating practices by serving a variety of nutritious foods and joining the children at afternoon tea. Children learn about the importance of hygiene whilst serving afternoon tea too.
What time are breakfast and afternoon tea served? Breakfast is served between 7am and 8.15am daily and afternoon tea is served at 3.10pm in their chosen activity area for those who wish to eat. The children sit with an educator in an informal, inclusive setting where they discuss their interests and share their daily highlights. Children are always encouraged to have seconds if they are still hungry and can enjoy a late snack between 4.30pm and 5.30pm daily if they desire. If your child is attending an externally run activity at 3pm they can ask the educator in the centre for food when they return to Poosh.
At times Poosh holds party days based on the children and families interests and often treats are served. However, daily we are focused on ensuring the children at Poosh get enough of the nutrients essential for good health and help reduce our risk of chronic health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity.
We serve a variety of foods outlined in the Australia Dietary Guidelines:
