Research shows that a child’s experience in their first five years sets the course for the rest of their life. To ensure that Australian children get the best possible start, the introduction of a National Quality Framework has been agreed on by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). 

 

The National Quality Framework will put in place a new National Quality Standard to ensure high quality and consistent early childhood education and care across Australia. This standard covers both nutrition and physical activity under the 2nd Quality Area: Children's Health and Safety.  

 

2.2		Healthy eating and physical activity are embedded in the program for children.
2.2.1		Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate to the age of the child.
2.2.2		Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences and is appropriate to the age of the child.

 

 

Implementation of the Framework has now commenced. At this introductory stage, early childhood services are expected to familiarise themselves with the Early Years Learning Framework and map their existing practice against the principles and practice outlined in the Framework. It is expected that, following a period of familiarisation, each early childhood service will develop their own strategy to implement the Framework, taking their own unique context into consideration.

 

Learning Outcome 3		Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
		Children take increasing responsibitliy for their own health and physical wellbeing:
		reinforce health and nutrition draw on family and community experiences and expertise to include familiar games and physical activity in play. provide a range of active and restful experiences througout the day, and support children to make appropriate decisions regarding participation.