Healthy and nutritious chef-prepared meals
Our in-house chef prepares wholesome, delicious meals and snacks for the children. We provide a seasonal, weekly rotating menu with home-made nutritious meals and snacks that the children love.
Healthy, delicious chef-prepared meals
When the children gather around the table to enjoy freshly prepared meals made by our in-house chef, they’re doing more than just nourishing their little bodies and minds. They connect with friends, and you’ll often hear little conversations about favourite fruits, colourful vegetables or what everyone is having for lunch today. The educators sit alongside the children, creating calm, connected mealtime experiences.
Mealtime is also a beautiful way to learn practical life skills, such as pouring water into their cup, carrying their plate to the table, or trying new food after watching a friend enjoy it. We celebrate all those “I did it!” moments with joy.
Nourishing little bodies and minds throughout the day
Our chef prepares healthy meals and snacks fresh each day in our centre kitchen. Meals are thoughtfully planned to support children’s wellbeing, concentration, emotional regulation and healthy development during the early years.
We provide:
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Breakfast (optional)
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Morning tea
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Lunch
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Afternoon tea
- Late afternoon snack (optional)
A seasonal rotating menu
Our rotating seasonal menu introduces children to a variety of flavours, textures and ingredients in a gentle and positive way. From warm pasta dishes filled with extra servings of hidden vegetables to home-made beetroot cupcakes with seasonal fruits for afternoon tea, all meals are designed to feel nourishing, comforting and enjoyable for young children.
Where possible, our chef blends extra vegetables into sauces, soups and meals to help support balanced nutrition while still creating flavours children love and recognise.
All meals are included in your child’s daily fees, helping make busy family life a little easier.
Montessori inspired mealtime and learning practical life skills
Mealtimes are part of the learning experience. Inspired by Montessori principles, children are encouraged to participate in everyday routines that help build confidence, independence and practical life skills. You’ll see children proudly help a friend pour water, or an educator gently encouraging social chats around the table. All of this helps children develop strong foundations for school and life.
Depending on their age and stage of development, children are encouraged to:
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Help set the table
- Wash their hands
- Help serve the food
- Pour their own water
- Use utensils to eat
School-readiness starts at the lunch table
Twice a week, the Pre-Prep children practise eating from a lunchbox to help prepare for the transition to primary school. Educators gently guide children to unpack containers, manage wrappers independently and care for their belongings while developing balanced eating habits, such as eating their sandwich before enjoying their sweet treats. This teaches children the importance of eating healthy food and self-regulation skills.
These real-life experiences help children build confidence, responsibility and self-regulation before starting school.
Supporting emotional wellbeing through food and connection
At Enrich, we believe children thrive when they feel calm, safe and emotionally supported. Shared mealtimes create opportunities for connection, communication and emotional development throughout the day. Educators sit with the children during meals, modelling healthy eating habits, encouraging conversation and helping children feel relaxed and secure in a social environment.
For some children, mealtime at Enrich is the first time they eat in a group setting. It provides an opportunity to practice their social skills in a new setting. While some children confidently try everything straight away, others begin by quietly observing before slowly building trust and confidence around trying new foods.
Our nurturing approach respects each child’s individual pace while focusing on healthy eating habits without pressure or stress.
Catering for allergies and dietary wishes
We understand that every child is unique. Our menu is egg-free and nut-free and can always be adapted allergies and dietary preferences, such as:
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Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Halal meals
- Vegetarian options
- Allery-sensitive alternatives
We work closely with families to help ensure children feel safe, included, and well cared for during mealtimes.
Take a look at our menu
Our menu consists of healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. In consultation with parents, our babies are served pureed versions of the meals. Where possible, our chef uses seasonal ingredients, native bush foods like Riberry jam and adds hidden serves of vegetables to the meals.
Take a look at these four rotating weekly menus:
Frequently asked questions about our mealtimes
Are meals included in childcare fees?
Yes. All chef-prepared meals and snacks are included in your child’s daily fees at Enrich Early Education in Southport.
Do you cater for allergies?
Yes. We cater for allergies and dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free and Halal options. Our menu is also egg-free and nut-free.
What if my child is a fussy eater?
Do babies receive separate meals?
Yes. Babies are served meals appropriate to their age and developmental stage, such as pureed food. And of course, always in consultation with the parents.
How does Montessori influence mealtimes?
Learning practice life skills and growing confidence is a huge part of our Montessori-inspired approach to child care.
The children are invited to help wherever they want, from setting the table and serving food, to using utensils and caring for their environment. These everyday routines help build confidence, independence and coordination.
