Windsor Montessori Policies

Nutrition Policy V3

References:
Licensing Criteria, 2008; HS19.

Te Whāriki:
The provision of nutritious and culturally appropriate food is consistent with the principles, strands and
goals of Te Whāriki.
Mana Atua/Well-being – Goal 1: Tamariki/children experience an environment where their health is
promoted.

Statement of Intent:
At Windsor Montessori, we are committed to ensuring that tamariki have the opportunity to learn
about healthy foods. We are also committed to supporting parents/whānau/caregivers in learning
about the importance of healthy eating for the wellbeing of their tamariki.
● We believe that early childhood is a time when lifelong eating habits are formed. As such,
kaiako have an important role in creating a culture of nutritional eating and helping tamariki to
develop nutritional eating habits relating to nutritional food choices.
● We believe that good nutrition is essential for holistic growth and development of tamariki.
● We believe that all tamariki should have the opportunity to learn about nutritional foods.
Our Aim:
● To help tamariki develop nutritional eating habits.
● To educate tamariki and their parents/whānau/caregivers on nutritious food choices.
● To provide an environment that uses whānau/family and cultural values to support healthy
nutritional practices.
● To incorporate daily healthy and nutritious teaching practices e.g. baking, sharing cultural
foods etc.
Strategies:
● Kaiako will demonstrate and show tamariki nutritional learning through stories and
experiences.
● Kaiako will role model nutritional eating habits.
● Safe hygiene practices are adhered to when preparing, serving and eating food.
● Lunch time is a social occasion where tamariki are encouraged to develop appropriate table
manners and where opportunities for conversations take place about nutritional food.
● Tamariki will have the opportunity to develop independent skills in preparing and serving food
where appropriate and will be encouraged to get involved in cleaning up after themselves.
● Parents/whānau will be supported in breastfeeding their tamariki - (Breastfeeding Policy)
● Kaiako will be encouraged to gain professional development around nutritional education.
● Resources will be used to support tamariki and supporting parents/whānau/caregivers
knowledge on nutrition and to support teaching practices.
● Nutritional food will be served daily for morning and afternoon kai.
● A weekly allocation of funds will be used to purchase a variety of nutritional food i.e. fresh
fruit/vegetables and ingredients for baking.
● Whānau will be asked to provide nutritious kai for their tamariki. Guidelines are provided in the
parent booklet that all whānau get as part of the enrolment process.​

● Kaiako will maintain their Pā Harakeke/Gold Healthy Heart Award by revisiting this with tamariki and going through a renew process every two years. ​

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Version 4:  Feb 2025