On The Menu
At Papilio Early Learning, mealtime is a chance to nourish growing bodies and minds. Our summer menu offers a variety of healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fresh fruit and vegetables at every meal. Friends sit together to enjoy their food, sharing conversations about the tastes and textures they are exploring. We don’t hide fruit and veggies - children can see, identify, and understand what they’re eating, building a positive relationship with healthy foods from a young age.
The above is a sample menu. Your centre's seasonal menu is displayed on the wall by the kitchen and updated ever six weeks. Speak to your Centre Manager to find out more.
A Recipe to Try at Home
Looking for an alternative to the traditional treats this festive season? Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a delicious and easy snack that encourage hands on fun and creativity for your little ones. With 4 different flavour ideas, there’s something for everyone!
Ham and Cheese Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 3 sheets of puff pastry
- ½ cup grated tasty cheese
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded ham
- Cocktail skewers
- Small star cookie cutter
Pesto Tomato Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 3 sheets of puff pastry
- ½ cup grated tasty cheese
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- Cocktail skewers
- Small star cookie cutter
Apple Biscoff Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 3 sheets of puff pastry
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp biscoff paste
- 1 green apple grated
- Cocktail skewers
- Small star cookie cutter
- ¼ cup icing sugar
Nutella Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 3 sheets of puff pastry
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp Nutella
- Cocktail skewers
- Small star cookie cutter
- ¼ cup icing sugar
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Spread the toppings onto one sheet of the puff pastry. Cut into inch thick strips. Cut the other sheet into inch thick strips.
- Lay the plain strips on top of the strips with toppings.
- Fold the pastry over on itself in the shape of a small pyramid, and pinch the end to form the pointy tree shape.
- Push the skewer through the centre of the tree.
- With the third sheet of pastry, use the star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes.
- Pierce the top of the skewer through the star to attach it to the top of the “tree”.
- Lay the trees on a tray lined with baking paper.
- Beat the egg with a fork in a small bowl, and brush over the trees with a pastry brush.
- For the savoury trees, sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Dust the sweet trees with icing sugar.
Meet Our Centre Cook
Each day, our creative and innovative Centre Cooks prepare a wide variety of nutritious meals and purees for the children and babies in our centres.
Each meal is healthy and delicious, and aligned with children's daily nutritional needs. They also ensure any individual cultural or dietary requirements are being met too.
Our Centre Cooks are committed to making healthy habits fun. They love to take time to involve the children in meal preparation and healthy food education, plus they hold regular cooking classes!
Note: A small number of our centres do not provide meals, however the Centre Manager will let you know when you meet the team prior to enrolment.
"Early life nutrition is crucial for brain development, supporting critical processes such as cell proliferation, neurotransmitter metabolism, and synaptic plasticity, which influence both immediate cognitive abilities and long-term mental health outcomes."
Cambridge University Press, 2022
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
Early childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, making a balanced diet essential for children under 5 years of age. Proper nutrition during these formative years sets the foundation for lifelong health, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Here’s why a balanced diet is so crucial for young children:
1. Supports Rapid Growth
During the first five years, children experience significant physical growth. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support the development of muscles, bones, and organs. According to the Raising Children Network, young children need a variety of foods to meet their energy and nutrient needs for healthy growth.
2. Cognitive Development
Nutritional intake significantly impacts brain development. Essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc are vital for cognitive functions, memory, and learning abilities. The Australian Government Department of Health highlights that deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
3. Boosts Immune System
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains enhances the immune system, protecting children from common illnesses and infections. Vitamins such as A, C, and E, along with minerals like zinc, play critical roles in maintaining a strong immune response, as noted by the Better Health Channel.
4. Energy and Activity
Young children are incredibly active and need a consistent supply of energy to fuel their daily activities. Carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats provide the energy necessary for play, learning, and growth. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) emphasises the importance of balanced meals to keep children energized and focused.
5. Healthy Eating Habits
Introducing a variety of healthy foods early on helps establish lifelong healthy eating habits. Encouraging children to eat a diverse range of foods ensures they receive all the essential nutrients and reduces the risk of picky eating and dietary deficiencies. The Dietitians Association of Australia supports the idea that early exposure to a wide variety of healthy foods can lead to better eating habits in the future.
6. Prevents Chronic Diseases
Proper nutrition in early childhood can prevent the onset of chronic diseases later in life. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) provides evidence that good nutrition in early years can have long-term health benefits.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Offer a variety of foods: Include different types of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains in your child’s diet.
- Limit sugary and processed foods: Reduce the intake of sugary snacks and beverages, and avoid processed foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars.
- Encourage regular meals and snacks: Provide regular, balanced meals and healthy snacks to ensure a steady intake of nutrients.
Healthy Meals at Papilio
A balanced diet is fundamental for the healthy growth and development of children under 5. At Papilio Early Learning, we prioritise providing a diet rich in essential nutrients to support optimal growth and cognitive development. This will lay a strong foundation for your child's future health, learning, and wellbeing.
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