Windsor Montessori Policies

Nutrition Policy V4

 

References:
Licensing Criteria, 2008; HS115.

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. This will be discussed 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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Date: February 2025

Next review date: February 2027

Version 4: