At Children First Early Education, we understand that every child is unique, and their dietary requirements, food preferences, and allergy needs are no exception. Ensuring mealtimes are safe, enjoyable, and nutritious is one of our highest priorities - that’s why our centres go above and beyond to provide fresh, chef-prepared meals that cater to children’s allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and individual needs.
From Halal-friendly and vegetarian options to managing allergies and intolerances, our dedicated team works closely with families to make sure every child feels included and cared for at the table.
Food plays such an important role in children’s growth and development, and we believe every child deserves the same positive mealtime experience. Our approach includes:
- Safe allergy management – All Children First Early Education centres are nut-free, with some also egg-free, to reduce the risk of exposure to common and high allergens.
- Adapting meals – Every meal can be adjusted to suit children with dietary requirements whether it be replacing the meat to be halal or vegetarian, or adapting the recipe to be dairy or gluten free.
- Cultural and religious inclusivity – We provide Halal-certified meat across centres where required, and substitute alternatives when cultural restrictions apply (such as replacing pork with a Halal-friendly protein).
- Variety and balance – Each weekly menu includes a range of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetarian options, with at least two seafood meals across every 4-week rotation.
- Working with families – We collaborate with parents to understand each child’s individual dietary needs and ensure these are always respected.
To keep meals fresh, balanced, and enjoyable, our chefs work on seasonal menus that run on a 4-week cycle. Seasonal menus mean children benefit from:
- Fresh, in-season produce
- A wide variety of flavours and textures
- Exposure to new foods to encourage healthy eating habits
Menus are carefully reviewed each season to ensure they meet nutritional standards and provide the variety children need for growth and wellbeing.
At Children First Early Education, our menus are developed in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and each state government’s nutrition guidelines for early childhood education and care. This ensures that every meal not only meets children’s individual dietary needs but also supports their long-term health, development, and wellbeing. Families can feel confident knowing that our chef-prepared meals reflect the latest best-practice recommendations in children’s nutrition.
Meet Georgie Manzelmann – Our Chef Support Manager
We’re proud to have an expert leading our food and nutrition program across all Children First Early Education centres: Chef Support Manager, Georgie Manzelmann.
Georgie is a fully qualified chef with over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry before transitioning to childcare. Georgie supports centre chefs with training, menu planning, and mealtime procedures. She personally reviews every seasonal menu before it is introduced, ensuring all meals are balanced, safe, and inclusive.
“Our chefs do a wonderful job of catering to each child’s needs. Whether it’s creating Halal-friendly meals, vegetarian alternatives, or managing allergies, I’m always here as a support person to help with ideas and adjustments,” Georgie explains.
Her dedication ensures Children First Early Education continues to provide the nutritious, chef-prepared meals that the children deserve while easing parents’ peace of mind when it comes to dietary requirements.
Mealtimes at Children First Early Education are more than just eating, they’re opportunities for children to fuel their growing bodies, connect with peers, and develop important independence skills. From self-serving their meals to learning how to clean up after themselves, children build confidence and responsibility in a joyful, supportive environment. With allergy-safe practices, inclusive menu planning, and guidance from our passionate chefs, families can feel confident that their child’s needs are always a priority.
Because every child deserves to enjoy healthy, delicious meals that nurture their growth, respect their background, and support their wellbeing.
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with each of our Children First Early Education centres:
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- Children First Fairfield
- Children First Berserker
- Children First Cranbrook
- Children First Gaythorne
- Children First Underwood
- Children First Walkervale
- Children First Mernda
- Children First Mitcham
- Children First Evanston Park
- Children First Salisbury Downs
- Children First Angle Vale
- Children First Ingle Farm
- Children First Lightsview
- Children First Lindisfarne
- Children First South Hobart
Children First Gympie and Children First Keperra are opening soon. Follow them on Facebook to receive regular updates on their progress.
