Nourishing Our Tamariki: A Guide to Food Safety in ECE
Supporting Our Tamariki’s Health and Safety in Home-Based Early Learning
At our home-based ECE service, we recognise the crucial role food plays in the growth, development, and wellbeing of tamariki. Ensuring their safety, especially when it comes to food, is a top priority. While we don’t typically provide meals on a daily basis, we offer shared food for special gatherings and celebratory events. In addition to promoting healthy eating practices—such as teaching children to sit down while eating and always supervising them—we are committed to ensuring that the food provided is safe to reduce the risk of choking.
Food Safety Guidelines: What Parents Need to Know
When food is provided by ECE services, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has clear guidelines in place to ensure both healthy eating and safety. If parents provide food from home, there are still important safety guidelines to follow, particularly if the food is meant for sharing (e.g., birthday cakes or platters).
We encourage whānau to read the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) food guidelines booklet to stay informed on best practices for healthy eating and ensuring the safety of tamariki. The booklet can be accessed here: MoH Food Safety Guidelines
Keeping Our Tamariki Safe
Under health and safety laws, all ECE services must ensure the safety of tamariki, including managing risks related to food, such as choking hazards. While we support and respect the food choices parents make, we have a responsibility to protect tamariki from high-risk foods.
To help maintain a safe and transparent environment, our Educators collaborate with whānau to establish clear food safety procedures. For example:
- If a child brings whole grapes, we’ll cut them to reduce the choking risk.
- If food does not meet safety guidelines, we’ll set it aside and send it home at the end of the day.
These procedures ensure we maintain a consistent, proactive approach to food safety while respecting the choices of families.
Working Together for Healthy Outcomes
Providing safe, nutritious food is a shared responsibility between our home-based early learning service and whānau. By following the MoH guidelines and maintaining open communication, we can create a supportive environment where tamariki can thrive. Let’s continue working together to promote healthy eating, minimise risks, and ensure the wellbeing of every child!