FULL REFERENCE: Orr, G. (2021). Raising healthy kids: A scoping review for feeding practices in NZ early childhood education centres. NZ International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal, 23(2), 78 – 90.
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ABSTRACT: ired from parents and caregivers during the early years of life are known to shape an individual’s relationship with food as they grow into adulthood. Many children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) spend a significant amount of time in early childhood education (ECE) programmes. This presents a strong rationale to provide guidance for teaching staff to support the eating behaviours of children in their care. The aim of this scoping review was to highlight key feeding practices applicable to ECE services food policy and guidelines and their inclusion in nutrition education programmes for teaching staff. Between December 2020 and June 2021, a literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed research related to feeding practices and eating behaviours of young children. This informed four key recommendations:
1. teaching staff allow children to decide how much to eat,
2. a meal routine is maintained,
3. Staff familiarise children with food in a pressure-free environment, and
4. staff role-model healthy eating behaviours.
For successful implementation and adherence to these feeding practices further mahi (work) must be conducted in collaboration with teaching staff and whānau to support sustainable systems change.
Key words: Healthy eating, feeding practices, nutrition, food, meal routine.
