3.6.8 Nutrition and Diet

SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER

This procedure applies to every Child in Care.
Arrangements must exist for promoting the nutritional and dietary needs of every Child in Care.

The arrangements may be outlined in Placement Plans (Placement Information Record) for individual children and must always be included where the child has special dietary needs.

The arrangements should include the following:

  1. The child's nutritional and dietary needs;
  2. The child's stage of development rather than age;
  3. The child's special needs and whether specialist equipment will be needed to enable them to be independent;
  4. Any requirements to take account of the child's religious and spiritual observances/needs;
  5. Times and associated procedures for meals, e.g. washing up arrangements;
  6. Whether and, if so, how children will be encouraged and supported to help with menu planning, budgeting, purchase and preparation of meals;
  7. Whether and, if so, how children will be taught skills in preparation for independence.