Health and Nutrition

We understand that health and nutrition is an important corner stone of any child’s development. We take seriously our commitment to improving the health and nutrition of all children attending our centre, and make sure to adhere to national regulations.

We ensure the following:

• all members of staff ensure adequate health and hygiene practices, as well as safe practices for handling, preparing and storing food.
• that children always have access to safe drinking water and are offered food and beverages appropriate to each child’s needs on a regular basis throughout the day.
• the food or beverages provided are nutritious and adequate in quantity and chosen based on each child’s dietary requirements.
• a weekly menu is displayed and accessible to family members which accurately describes the food and beverages to be provided by the service each day.

We continue to update our health and nutrition policies as required by the Education and Care Services National Regulations. Please speak to our centre manager should you wish to learn more.

Our Kindergarten Program

We understand that your child’s kindergarten year is an important one and the skills, knowledge and friendships they develop throughout this time will support them through their schooling years and beyond. When your child attends a kindergarten within a long day care setting, they receive uninterrupted and extended learning which facilitates maximum growth and development.

Under the guided wing of our Early Childhood Teacher, the kinder group develop their independence, self-help, social and academic skills in a structured and supportive environment.

Our innovative and emergent programs allow the children to contribute to the development of the curriculum which is guided by individual and group interests. In support of the learning outcomes, we seek for every child, the kinder group also participate in many intentional teaching experiences throughout the year such as water safety, road safety, school readiness, literacy and numeracy projects, cooking, pet awareness responsibility, health and hygiene, and many more.

What does our kindergarten look like in 2024?

In an historic step for Queensland education and early learning, kindergarten will be free for Queensland families.

Kindy will be free for eligible-aged children who attend a government-approved program offering free kinder from 1 January 2024.

We know that a quality kindergarten program offers lifelong benefits. Kindergarten participation encourages a love of learning and leads to positive long-term outcomes for children.

Research has shown that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's development and preparing them for future success.

Families will benefit from free kinder regardless of whether they attend a sessional kindergarten or kindergarten in long day care. Free kinder is for the 15 hour a week kindergarten program (600 hours a year) delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher.

Free kinder from 2024 will remove cost as a barrier to participation and improve educational outcomes for Queensland children.

The department will work closely with the early childhood sector to introduce free kinder from 1 January 2024. All kindergartens will have the opportunity to offer free kinder.

We will share more information around eligibility and how credits will be applied directly to accounts.

Feel free to discuss this further with our Centre Manager.

Prior to deciding on Mayfield Gordonvale we had looked at 7 different centres in the area after narrowing it down. As soon as we had our orientation we were sold. Mayfield Gordonvale has the most welcoming atmosphere. The emphasis on nature and creative play is wonderful for our kids growing minds. The educators have always gone above and beyond. Our experience with the centre has led us to recommend it to friends who have enrolled their children as well.

Carolyn