3.1 Lesson Outcomes
After completing this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate weekly menu plans according to nutritional requirements.
- Support healthy eating practices within ECD settings.
- Prepare and implement food-related learning activities for children.
- Encourage positive behaviour during mealtimes.
- Apply strategies that encourage children to eat healthy foods.
- Consider cultural, religious, and dietary requirements during meal planning.
- Maintain records related to nutrition and growth monitoring.
- Reflect on nutrition support practices within workplace settings.
3.2 Overview
This work experience lesson introduces learners to workplace processes involved in supporting the nutrition and healthy eating practices of children within Early Childhood Development settings.
Learners will gain supervised practical experience in evaluating menu plans, implementing food-related educational activities, supporting healthy eating routines, encouraging positive mealtime behaviour, and promoting balanced nutrition according to children’s developmental and dietary needs. The lesson focuses on workplace nutrition support practices that contribute to healthy growth, development, participation, and well-being within ECD environments.
In addition, learners will participate in nutrition activities, menu evaluations, healthy eating routines, workplace observations, and reflective workplace practices that strengthen positive nutrition support within ECD settings.
This lesson prepares learners to confidently support healthy nutrition practices while promoting children’s physical health and developmental well-being.
3.3 Lesson Content
WA0301: Evaluate Weekly Menu Plans
Menu plans should:
- include balanced meals,
- support healthy development,
- and consider individual dietary needs.
Practitioners should evaluate whether menus include:
- proteins,
- carbohydrates,
- fruits,
- vegetables,
- dairy,
- and sufficient water intake.
Menus should also consider:
- religious requirements,
- cultural preferences,
- allergies,
- and special dietary needs.
WA0302: Prepare and Implement Food-Related Activities
Food-related activities help children:
- learn about healthy foods,
- develop healthy habits,
- and explore nutrition through play and participation.
Activities may include:
- fruit and vegetable identification,
- healthy eating discussions,
- food preparation activities,
- storytelling about healthy foods,
- and nutrition games.
Practitioners should:
- make activities engaging,
- encourage participation,
- and promote positive learning experiences.
WA0303: Support Positive Behaviour During Mealtimes
Positive mealtime practices help children:
- develop healthy routines,
- build independence,
- and feel comfortable during meals.
Practitioners should:
- encourage respectful behaviour,
- supervise meals safely,
- support hygiene routines,
- and create calm mealtime environments.
Children should:
- be encouraged gently,
- allowed to try foods,
- and supported positively during meals.
WA0304: Encourage Children to Eat Healthy Foods
Some children may:
- refuse certain foods,
- dislike textures,
- or avoid healthy meals.
Practitioners should:
- encourage healthy eating positively,
- introduce foods gradually,
- model healthy eating,
- and avoid forcing children to eat.
Strategies may include:
- colourful presentations,
- storytelling,
- involving children in preparation,
- and positive reinforcement.
Growth Monitoring and Nutrition Records
Nutrition support may include:
- monitoring height and weight,
- maintaining growth records,
- and identifying nutritional concerns.
Practitioners should:
- maintain accurate records,
- support healthy development,
- and communicate concerns appropriately.
3.4 Workplace Activities
SE0301: Menu Evaluation Report
Learners should:
- evaluate menu plans,
- identify strengths and weaknesses,
- and provide recommendations for improvement.
SE0302: Growth Records
Learners should:
- record children’s height and weight,
- maintain organised records,
- and monitor developmental progress.
SE0303: Self-Evaluation and Action Plan
Learners should:
- reflect on nutrition support practices,
- identify strengths and challenges,
- and create improvement plans.
SE0304: Food-Related Activity Plan and Report
Learners should:
- prepare nutrition activities,
- document implementation,
- and record participation and outcomes.
SE0305: Workplace Logbook
Learners should:
- document nutrition support activities,
- maintain signed workplace logbooks,
- and record workplace experiences.
SE0306: Relevant Documentation
Learners should:
- maintain workplace nutrition records,
- organise documentation,
- and support workplace procedures appropriately.
3.5 Workplace Scenarios and Practical Tasks
Scenario: Supporting Healthy Nutrition in an ECD Setting
Learners must:
- evaluate menu plans,
- support healthy eating,
- facilitate nutrition activities,
- and encourage positive mealtime behaviour.
The scenario focuses on:
- healthy eating,
- menu planning,
- nutrition education,
- and positive mealtime support.
Menu Evaluation Activity
Learners should:
- review weekly menus,
- identify nutritional balance,
- and suggest improvements where necessary.
Food-Related Activity
Learners should:
- facilitate healthy eating activities,
- involve children in participation,
- and promote positive nutrition awareness.
Reflection Activity
Learners should reflect on:
- nutrition support strategies,
- communication,
- participation,
- and areas for improvement.
3.6 Key Notes / Summary
- Balanced nutrition supports healthy growth and development.
- Menu plans should include all major food groups.
- Practitioners should support children with different dietary requirements.
- Positive mealtime environments encourage healthy eating habits.
- Food-related activities help children learn about nutrition.
- Practitioners should encourage healthy eating without forcing children.
- Growth monitoring supports developmental and nutritional tracking.
- Reflection helps improve nutrition support practices within ECD settings.