The Management and Staff of Riverton Childcare will be providing supplementary food and drink for children at the Centre to maintain their energy, health and state of well being. The Management and Staff endeavour to maintain high standards of cleanliness in all areas and the following guidelines will be followed.
Guidelines
• All persons handling food within the Centre are required to wash their hands thoroughly using warm water and soap before and after handling food. Paper towels are provided for drying hands. NOT TEATOWELS!!
• All food for consumption is to be prepared in the kitchen area or under supervision by staff if the children are preparing their own food, baking etc.
• All food is to be covered once prepared and while waiting to be given to the children eg; paper towels, cling film. All meals and drinks for children should be kept refrigerated until ready for use and returned to the refrigerator if unused.
• Infant formula bottles are to be kept refrigerated. Any formula left over from feeding is to be discarded. Infant formula or foods heated in the microwave must be left to stand for at least 30 seconds and shaken or stirred well before being given to a child. (This is to prevent scalding in the mouth from pockets of hot formula/food caused by uneven heating in the microwave.)
• Left over food from meals, unless in an unopened container, is to be discarded.
• Soiled cutlery, dishes, mugs etc are to be washed in the dishwasher or may be washed in the sink using hot water and dishwashing liquid, then rinsed off with hot water before drying and being stored away in the appropriate place.
• All food scraps are to be placed in the waste bin in the kitchen area. This bin is to be lined with a plastic liner and the lid is to be kept closed when not in use.
• The bowls, utensils, plates, mugs etc in the kitchen area are for purpose of food preparation and serving only. They are not to be used for play unless supervised by a teacher for the purpose of baking, or within the context of the curriculum.
• Children's food should be named and given only to the child whose name is on the packaging.
• All reasonable care must be taken to avoid contamination from nuts, dairy products or any other possible sources that may cause an allergic reaction in a person suffering from an allergy condition.
• A diary is kept in the kitchen, called "Meal Records". This contains a record any food given to the children at the Centre. This record only applies to meals, snacks, baking etc which have NOT been supplied by the parent or caregiver.
• Water is available for the children to drink through out the day. Children are encouraged to have a drink with their snacks and meals. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating or drinking.
Children are to remain seated while eating. No child will be left unattended while eating. All children under 6 months will be held while being fed. No child will have access to any fluid while in bed.
Policies: Statement regarding the curriculum; Acceptable use of computer/software; Complaints and grievances; consultation; equipment; monitoring sleeping children; nappy changing procedure; open door; pest and vermin; accidents and illnesses; food and drink; health and safety; laundry; prosocial behaviour; preventing child abuse; shady childcare; smokefree.