Early Childhood Nutrition

The early years are a critical period for establishing healthy eating and physical activity behaviours in children. Nutritious food and regular physical activity supports the normal growth and development of children and reduces the risk of developing chronic lifestyle diseases including obesity.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Guidelines for Early Childhood Settings

The Government has committed $4.5 million over five years from 2007-08 to 2011-12 to develop and distribute guidelines on healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood settings. This election commitment forms part of the Government’s Plan for Early Childhood and Plan for Tackling Obesity.

A consortium consisting of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute Centre for Community Child Health, Early Childhood Australia and The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne was contracted to develop, field test and produce the Guidelines. Extensive and inclusive consultations with state and territory governments, child health experts, the early childhood sector and families were undertaken to inform and guide the development of the Guidelines.

The Guidelines were finalised on 30 June 2009 with the launch of the Get Up & Grow resources by Minister Roxon and Minister Ellis on 22 October 2009. The Guidelines provide evidence based, practical information and advice to support and promote healthy eating and physical activity in children attending early childhood settings including centre based care, family day care and preschools.

The Guidelines are linked to the new National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care currently being developed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

For further information please email PHD Frontdesk.