Health & Food

The health and well-being of your child is our highest priority

Mealtimes and the preparation of food are seen as valuable social and learning experiences and are therefore given an important place in the centres.

Children often help to make their own food, such as buttering bread, cutting up vegetables and so on.

We are very conscious of the nutritional value of whole-grain foods, and fresh fruit and vegetables and incorporate these into the diet as much as possible. No salt is added to food.

Due to high allergies to nuts in some children, EMCC will not use nuts in their cooking; however, some pre-packaged goods may contain traces of nuts. A Food Allergies Request form will be displayed in all rooms, the office and the Kitchen to ensure children do not receive the food they are allergic to or not allowed to eat.

Please let us know if your child is allergic to any particular types of food or if your child is not allowed to have certain foods due to religious or cultural beliefs.

Health

The well-being of the children is of the highest priority in the Centre and children must be kept away from the Centre if unwell.

  • If your child suffers from vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever overnight, please keep him/her home for 24-48 hours.
  • Conjunctivitis (red crusty eyelids) and cold sores are highly contagious so parents are requested to keep their children away until the condition is cleared up.
  • If your child develops a rash, please see a doctor and have him/her cleared as non-infectious before returning to the Centre.
  • It is very important to inform Staff if your child has had any medicationbefore attending the service.
  • Please be aware that the centre is a busy place and if children are not coping after illness in the environment you will be asked to collect your child or come earlier.

Infections

If your child is unwell, please tell the centre that he/she will not be attending. The staff will ONLY give prescribed medication that is supplied with clear written instructions. Times must be written down for all medication writing “when needed” is not permitted.

Parents must advise staff fully about the need for and use of preventative medications (eg for Asthma or Epilepsy). Please see our policy on medical conditions.

If your child becomes ill during the day you will be asked to come and collect your child as soon as possible (within 90 minutes) and take him/her home. In case of serious illness or accident, the staff will call an ambulance to take your child to hospital. You will also be notified immediately.

 

Victorian Department of health minimum period of exclusion.

For the current exclusion table please go to www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au under school exclusion table.

This table is followed strictly at all times.