Fresh food and healthy habits start at The Ridge

When families talk to us about what matters most for their child, food often comes up.

Not in a perfect way.But in a very real, everyday way.

Is my child eating enough?

Will they try new foods?

Will they have the energy to play and learn?

At The Ridge Preschool & Childcare Centre, supporting fresh food and a healthy lifestyle is part of how we care for children each day. Families from Menai and Barden Ridge choose us because they want a place where wellbeing is taken seriously, without pressure or fuss.

Why fresh food matters in early childhood

Young children are growing and developing quickly. Their bodies and brains need consistent nourishment to support learning, emotional regulation, and physical health.

Fresh food supports:

• Strong immune systems

• Steady energy levels

• Better focus and engagement

• Emotional wellbeing

We see this daily at The Ridge. When children are well nourished, they are more settled, more confident, and more able to participate fully in play and relationships.

Food is not separate from learning. It supports it.

A calm, respectful approach to food

At The Ridge, we believe children build healthy habits when they feel safe and respected.

We do not rush children through meals or pressure them to eat. Mealtimes are calm and social. Educators sit with children, model positive eating habits, and talk naturally about food.

This approach helps children:

• Feel relaxed around food

• Trust their own hunger and fullness

• Develop curiosity about new tastes

Many families are surprised to see their child trying foods at childcare that they avoid at home. This usually happens because children feel comfortable and unpressured.

Our approach is guided by the Munch & Move Program

Our healthy lifestyle practices are supported by the Munch & Move Program, a NSW Health initiative that promotes healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood settings.

Munch & Move focuses on simple, practical messages:

• Eat more fruit and vegetables

• Choose water as the main drink

• Be active every day

• Reduce screen time

• Create positive food environments

At The Ridge, Munch & Move is not a one-off program. It is reflected in our daily routines, our environment, and the way educators work with children and families.

Movement is part of a healthy day

A healthy lifestyle includes daily movement.

Children at The Ridge have regular opportunities to run, climb, balance, stretch, and rest. Our outdoor spaces and daily flow support active play as a natural part of the day.

We often notice that after active outdoor time, children return calmer and more focused. Movement supports not only physical development, but emotional regulation as well.

Learning about food through everyday experiences

Children learn best through real experiences.

At The Ridge, learning about food happens when:

• Children help care for plants or gardens

• Educators talk about colours, textures, and tastes

• Food-related stories spark conversations

• Children see adults enjoying healthy food

These moments help children understand where food comes from and build a positive relationship with eating.

Working in partnership with families

We know that every family is different. Cultural foods, routines, and values all matter.

Our role is to support families, not judge. We share observations, listen carefully, and work together to support each child’s wellbeing. This partnership is especially important for families in Menai and Barden Ridge who are looking for consistency between home and childcare.

Healthy habits grow best when children feel supported in all environments.

Gentle ideas families can try at home

If you are looking for simple ways to support healthy habits at home:

• Offer a range of foods without pressure

• Eat together when possible

• Let children help prepare food

• Encourage water as the main drink

• Focus on balance over time

Healthy habits are built slowly, through everyday moments.

Supporting lifelong wellbeing at The Ridge

Fresh food and a healthy lifestyle are about more than nutrition. They are about helping children feel good in their bodies, confident in their choices, and supported by the adults around them.

At The Ridge Preschool & Childcare Centre, we are proud to support families from Menai and Barden Ridge by creating an environment where children can grow, thrive, and build strong foundations for life.

If you would like to learn more about our approach, we would love to welcome you for a tour.