Outside School Hours Care

Food & Nutrition

Snack times are seen as a social event where children and staff can relax, talk about their day and experience a variety of foods.  Staff will demonstrate and encourage healthy and hygienic eating habits at all times. All food will be stored in a hygienic manner. At After School Care children are expected to bring their own nutritious snacks.

At Vacation Care children are expected to bring their own nutritious snacks and lunch.  Food may also be prepared and served as part of an activity.  Drinking water is provided at all times. Food sensitivities, allergies, religious & cultural considerations, and health needs of the child must be discussed between the staff and the parent.  A written plan may be needed.  Religious and cultural festivals offer the opportunity for experiencing diversity through the sharing of food. Children are encouraged to accept and value differences.

A Medication Permission Authority must be signed by the parent (daily) prior to a Coordinator administering any medication required by a child is in care. This applies to prescription and non-prescription medications (including herbal remedies).

Exclusion of sick children from childcare is an important way of limiting the spread of infection in childcare. Families are encouraged to consider in advance what arrangements need to be made in the event that their children become sick and cannot attend care.

Appropriate exclusion of sick children, in conjunction with effective hygiene procedures, will reduce cross infection. It is in everyone’s interest to abide by recommended exclusion periods. Children with infectious diseases will be excluded from OSHC in accordance with the National Health & Medical Research Council’s Guidelines.